He chuckles. "Oh, really?"
"Fuck you."
Darin's expression softens. "I'm just messin' with you."
"I know," you reply.
Darin nods, hesitates, and then stands up. He curses and holds his bad leg as he stands.
You tense up, internally debating whether to come to his aid or not. He waves you off. He turns to you and says, "That reminds me… I ain't gonna be around for much longer."
"Don't say that," you reply immediately. "You're not that old."
Darin sighs. "Maybe not for a king or noble. But I'm an old soldier with a bad leg. It'll… catch up with me eventually."
"You're not gonna die, Darin."
"No. I's ain't dyin' tonight. Probably not tomorrow. But someday…" He pauses. "I jus' wanna make sure you and yer sister will be okay for when I finally kick it."
Darin nods in response. He turns as if to leave, but then he hesitates. He looks back to you and says, "I love ya, lad. Remember… if you gotta talk, I's 'ere for ya."
"I…" You trail off. "Thank you."
He nods again. "I mean it. I's been around a long time…"
Darin swallows hard. "I've buried a lot of bodies. I don't want to bury yours, too."
He steps away into the night.
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