As My Heart Dies-Chp60

[the group entered the house n all sat in the living room]

Hater: (sat across from Wander, looking away)

Peepers: [sat next to Brad, feeling awkward abt Wander n Hater's situation]

Wander: [doesn't look at Hater either] Hate to cut the small talk n all, bt we need ur help, Papa

Angel: On what?

Hater: My family's at war...they can really use the backup.

Wander: Yes, n I knw frm Mama's stories abt both ur travels tht u could hold ur own to protect her with ur angel nomad powers, so I was hoping... tht maybe... u knw...

Angel: ...Perhaps. but you seem to be unhappy with something else as well.

Hater: (worry)

Wander: [glanced quietly a little at Hater, then deflected the question] Yes, bt... its not important right now. The most important right now is to help Hater's family. Lives r at stake right now, might evn involve a newborn baby. Will u help us, Papa?

Peepers: [keeping fingers crossed behind his bk]

Angel: (think) ...

Hater: ... (gets up) I'm sorry... (leaves the room)

Sylvia: (watches him leave and gives Wander a disapproving look)

Peepers: S-Sir... [follows aftr him]

Wander: [doesn't look at Sylvia either as he continued to wait for Angel's response]

Angel: ...I suppose I'll have to.

Wander: Thanks, Papa :) We reli appreciate the help. Plus, tbh, its abt time u get out of the house n do something instead of moping abt [smiled a little mischievously]

Angel: Indeed...

(outside)

Hater: (was walking off and heard Peepers following him)

Peepers: Sir, sir! [slowed dwn to match his walking pace] Sir... U... U OK...?

Hater: I knew he woulnd't take this lightly, but... :( I guess he does hate me now...

Peepers: He doesn't hate u, sir. I mean, I think he doesn't. If he hates u, he wouldn't even be asking his dad for help to fight ur brother's war. He wouldn't go thru all this for ur family if he hates u

Hater: But he won't even look at me...

Peepers: Like I said, he just needs time to process all this. Why? Would u rather he throw a tantrum?

Hater: No... :(

Peepers: Give him time. He'll come round soon. Just focus on ur health right now, as well as ur brother's war. It'll keep u distracted for a while

Hater: I guess so...