Can You Help Him?

"You apologize too much…"

That voice was like a lifeline to Baloo, stopping his mind from plummeting any further down the dried-up well of self-depreciation. 

Baloo raised his face from his hands, rubbing some moisture and snot from his reptilian features. "La-LaRee... You're burned up!"

"Yes. I know this," LaRee laughed. 

The archer had his black bow in hand. It was held by his side, at ease, while LaRee leaned against the broken wall for support. "I am glad that you are fine, Baloo. And that you've accepted yourself.

"But," LaRee continued before the stammering lizard man could form a reply, "there is no use dwelling on your sad past. I know not about your brother or sister. But no loving sibling would wish for you to live life for them. Would they not want you to live for your own sake?"

With a quivering lip, Baloo's tongue stopped twitching. "But I… They..."