Page 144 of Hekate: The Witch

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As we moved closer, I saw

that the boy was cradling

something in his arms,

burning sobs racking his body.

I realized that the thing

in the boy’s arms

was a small pup,

breathing his last.

A Boy and His Dog

The boy looked up at us

and I saw the devastation

that leaked from his sorrow-filled eyes.

He lifted the bundle towards us.

‘Please can you help him?

He is my only friend.’

My heart clutched at his words.

I knew what it was like to have

familiar love taken from you.

I turned to Thanatos,

who simply shook his head.

Of course, this was death’s duty.

But I had to help this boy,

even if it was just a kind word.

So I knelt into the hot sand

and reached for the small animal.

‘I am so sorry,’ I whispered,

as he drew his final breath.

My hand felt him go still.

The boy’s sobs turned into a wail.

But then, just as his heart broke…

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