[Silence comes from Richard's end. He's almost uncertain what to say in response to this. Almost. A stray idea does come to mind. It's not pleasant idea. It almost gets decided against. It may also, however, be the best thing to actually say.]
...When I told you the story behind my scar, I neglected to tell you the entirety of it.
[How long has it been since this tale has gotten told? Long enough for the discomfort in speaking about it to still be there and still be just as intense as always. The pain still lingers all the same, too.
Richard turns his eyes toward the window before taking a breath. Okay. He can say this. A story of this sort has the potential to ease Banagher's suffering. Taking a life can severely impact someone and the stray mental image of Banagher's stay in the hospital mirroring his own, of the boy attempting to end his life, is enough to get Richard to start talking.]
Years ago, my wife, my infant son and I were out together when we were attacked by several armed individuals. I attempted to fight them but was knocked out quickly. My wife and my son... they were killed.
[His voice doesn't crack per say, but the tone alone indicates that cracking isn't far off. Another deep breath gets taken as he tears his gaze from the window and focuses it back on Banagher.]
A life taken is a life taken, but bearing the pain of a life you failed to protect is far worse, far heavier a burden. Though at the cost of another life, you saved the person you were trying to protect. You will always have taken one life, but you will never have to hate yourself for not saving another.
no subject
...When I told you the story behind my scar, I neglected to tell you the entirety of it.
[How long has it been since this tale has gotten told? Long enough for the discomfort in speaking about it to still be there and still be just as intense as always. The pain still lingers all the same, too.
Richard turns his eyes toward the window before taking a breath. Okay. He can say this. A story of this sort has the potential to ease Banagher's suffering. Taking a life can severely impact someone and the stray mental image of Banagher's stay in the hospital mirroring his own, of the boy attempting to end his life, is enough to get Richard to start talking.]
Years ago, my wife, my infant son and I were out together when we were attacked by several armed individuals. I attempted to fight them but was knocked out quickly. My wife and my son... they were killed.
[His voice doesn't crack per say, but the tone alone indicates that cracking isn't far off. Another deep breath gets taken as he tears his gaze from the window and focuses it back on Banagher.]
A life taken is a life taken, but bearing the pain of a life you failed to protect is far worse, far heavier a burden. Though at the cost of another life, you saved the person you were trying to protect. You will always have taken one life, but you will never have to hate yourself for not saving another.