[ blackout ] - open; mother’s day

[michael t.]

ALL I FOUND THE SPACE BETWEEN THE SPACES
STANDING IN THE NOTHING, AND TIME RECLAIMS YOU

Truth be told, Michael really did feel for Danny. The kid had been through a lot, and although the dealer had tried his best to act as a comforting presence, there was only so much he could do. It wasn't like he was Danny's father, after all. He made a good effort, though. Tried to keep an eye on the canine whenever he could, just to make sure that the other would hold it together. Not hold it together in the sense that he would never cry, or breakdown.

No, despite how others criticized the wolf for doing so, Michael didn't really think of Danny's emotional nature as a weakness. Everyone needed to get things out sometimes, and letting it out was better than keeping it all buried deep down inside, where it could fester and rot. The thief probably knew that better than anyone, thinking back to the many, many days he had spent locked up inside, alternating between sobbing and pushing everything down following Trevor's death. He would never say that losing a husband and losing a mother were the same thing, but he certainly knew the feeling of loss, and knew how it could be amplified, on certain days.

Upon spotting Danny sitting out on the beach all by himself, Michael had temporarily hesitated, wondering if it was right to go over and try to offer some support. Ultimately, he decided that it was alright, wanting to make sure that the wolf knew he was surrounded by those who loved him. So, short strides brought the bobcat over to where Danny sat, sitting down nearby and hesitating momentarily. Once he finally worked up the nerve to speak, the male muttered, "You know... your mother has probably been watching over you, for the entire time you've been here." As he continued, his mismatched gaze drifted upwards, towards the sky, "And she's... she's probably incredibly proud of how much you've grown here in The Typhoon. I know that the rest of us definitely are. I know I am." He then glanced back over at Danny, hoping that his words had helped somewhat. He wasn't entirely sure of what would offer the most comfort, considering his own mother had never exactly been a positive influence in his life.

— Reggan