Another Chance, Another Day

"Hey...." Adam said softly, pulling Cybele closer.

"I hate this Adam, I hate it..." said Cybele. "I feel so.....empty."

Adam sighed and gently stroked Cybele's hair, not sure what to say.

Cybele froze for a moment, as a flash of a memory came, and went again.

"You okay...?" Adam asked, looking at her when he realised she'd froze.

"You...You did that once...but I didn't like it," said Cybele. "I was crying...I was...I was angry..."

"O-oh..." Adam said nervously, stopping and moving his hand away.

"I...I slapped you..." said Cybele, in almost a whisper. "Lennon saw me do it..."

Adam frowned and slowly looked away, a hurt look in his eyes.

"Adam...I...I'm sorry," said Cybele. "I don't know how long ago that was...but I'm sorry... I love you."

Adam slowly looked back at Cybele, hoping he didn't still look hurt. "Do...do you know what the date even is...?" He eventually asked.

Cybele looked away to hide the shame in her eyes before mumbling. "No."

"It's okay..." Adam said quietly, hugging her close again, hesitating before stroking her hair again.

Cybele shook her head. "I've missed so much..." she said. "I've forgotten even more."

Adam went to say 'it's not your fault' then stopped himself, leaning his head against hers instead.

Cybele closed her eyes, sighing softly.

"Mama...?" Lennon said quietly. "You 'kay?"

Cybele forced a smile, for Lennon's sake. "I'm fine sweetie..."

Lennon frowned, shaking his head. "Na-uh..."

Cybele sighed. "Lennon please, don't argue with Mama right now."

"I'm not," Lennon said. "You said you were fine...but you were crying before..."

"I-I know," said Cybele.

"Why sad though?" Lennon asked, pouting. "Daddy, Monte and me are here to hug you..."

"I know sweetie, I know," said Cybele, holding Lennon close. "Mama's just really confused right now, and she doesn't like it very much."

Lennon nodded, leaning against her. "Oh..." He frowned.