-Ch 5

Mark: Wait, I thought... I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to…

Dalia:It's alright.

Mark:If you don't mind me asking... what happened?

Dalia:What do you mean, "what happened"?

Mark: How did he die?

Dalia: Oh, no, no... I meant it metaphorically. He's not dead. It's just that he's *dead to me*, you know?

Dalia:He treated me like I didn't exist—except when he needed something from me. Then, when he didn't need anything, it was like I vanished again, like I never mattered. So now, I do the same. I act like he's not there. If it weren't for my mom, I wouldn't even visit him at all. Period.

Dalia:sight....So yeah... he acted like I was never born, so I killed him. In my mind.

Mark: That sucks... but not as much as me, so I think you're good.

Dalia:What do you mean "as much as you"? You don't suck, Mark. You rock! What are you talking about?

Mark: Don't you try to—

Dalia: No, no! I'm not trying to do anything, just listen. You're a good brother. No, not just a good brother—anyone would be proud to be related to you. You aren't the monster you imagine. You protected your family from a monster—a much harder one. You protected them from *yourself*. That's not something just anyone could do. It's hard... so much harder than you realize.

Mark:How would you know I wouldn't try it again?

Dalia:The fact that you're crying right now... that's enough for me to know.

Mark: But what if I did something and I don't remember?

Dalia:If you had, they would remind you. And if it didn't happen, then it didn't happen. Don't let your mind convince you otherwise.

Mark:But...

Dalia: No buts! You're a good brother. Give yourself some slack. And just... look after yourself, for *your* sake, before worrying about anyone else.

Mark:It's hard.

Dalia: I know. But it's not harder than... finishing it all, right?

Mark: You're right.

Dalia:And you'd make them sad, you know. You need your family more than they need you, so go back to them.

Mark: Thank you... I will.

Dalia: Go... wait, why did you stop?

Mark:Come with me. Don't surrender to your thoughts like I did.

Dalia:I haven't surrendered yet. I just... want to see how I feel.

Mark: Fair enough. You sound more sane than me. But at least promise me you'll go through this.

Dalia: Don't,....go to your family... *Why are you looking at me like that?* Fine, I promise...

Mark: See you soon.

Dalia:...You not

TO BE CONTINUED.....