They buried the child close to a tree in the middle of the island. Gabriel had offered to do it hoping it'd ease the guilt but he was wrong. It settled in his chest, heavy, clinging to his very heartbeat.
Even after everyone left, he stood by the grave until it was late in the night. The boy could have survived but he was dead because of him.
"Poor little thing, taken away from his mother at such a young age," he heard Elena speak from behind. "I have been waiting for you," she added, now standing by his side.
Gabriel sniffled, all the while avoiding her eyes. She had so much on her plate already to know her life was the cause of the child's death.
"He didn't deserve to die," Gabriel said, staring at the stars in the dark night. "Not this way at least."
Elena followed his line of sight. "He's among the stars now, away from the pain of this world. You should get some sleep."
