Chapter Text
Leta shifted the curtain to peek out the window for the third time. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. The sky was getting darker. Sun slowly sinking into the horizon. Yet the tall figure hasn't move a single inch from the backyards' steps.
Tina has been sitting there for two hours. Doing nothing but staring at a distance, the exact same thing she did when Newt wasn't around yesterday. At first, Leta let her be, thinking Tina just needed some time alone. To heal herself from that horrifying tragedy. But seeing her behavior today, Leta realized Tina wasn't healing at all, but the opposite, drowning herself into abyss of sorrow.
It took her a moment to realize Theseus had come home, making his way toward her side to look out the window as well. A concerned frown was shown on his face finding what Leta was looking at. "Has she eaten?"
"She didn't even finish half of her lunch," Leta replied, her voice brittle. "Where's Newt?"
"He, uh, said he needs to take care of his creatures first."
"Why would heㅡ Bunty should take care of that," Leta crossed her arms, unamused at his answer. "His wife needs him more than his creatures."
"I'm sure he won't be long, Leta. Don't worry."
"Don't worry??" Leta repeated, glaring at Theseus in disbelief. "How can i not worry? She's been like this since yesterday! and it might get worseㅡ"
"Well, Tina is not the only one who's going through this," Theseus interrupted, his stare just as stern as hers, "Newt.. he told me... He couldn't bear seeing her without crying. It's hard for both of them, Love, i know. Give them a little more timeㅡ"
"They lost their baby, Theseus!" Leta snapped, "We can't just, give them time and wait until they get better themselves because they won't ㅡ"
"Then what are we supposed to do?"
She fell into silence.
Steadying her breath, Leta turned to the window once again. Taking a few moments to look at her sister in law, before deciding to do what she thought was right.
She approached her.
Tina didn't even notice Leta had sit next to her. Still staring at the distance, teary eyes shone empty yet longing. One hand was holding onto her stomach, as if caressing something she knew it wasn't there anymore. The sight broke Leta's heart.
"Tina..."
The younger woman slowly shifted her gaze. She looked even more vulnerable at Leta's presence. Her mouth trembled open, as if wanting to say something. But none could be spoken.
Leta smiled. She reached for Tina's hand, pulling it from her stomach and held it in her own. Fingers intertwined, firm and assuring. Tina took a deep breath, her sister-in-law's action finally encouraged her to speak.
"I'm sorry," her voice almost sounded like a whisper. "It's just... Every night, i have to act strong in front of Newt. I can’t let him blaming himself over and over again, but at the same time... It'sㅡ i can’t help but think about the baby... This emptinessㅡ"
"I know."
Tina lowered her head. Gritting her teeth as her shoulders trembled, unable to hold her sobs. She didn't want to act this way, breaking down in front of her family when she'd tried hard not to. She didn't want them more worried while she's fighting this grief from drowning her. But now... Having one of them approached her, and sees through her pain... It's impossible for her to pretend.
Without her knowing, she was already in Leta's arms.
"That doesn't mean you have to go through it alone." Leta spoke soothingly. Her hand softly stroking the back of the younger's head. Tina was no longer holding back and cried on her shoulder, letting out overwhelming emotions that has been hurting her chest.
In that moment, Theseus came and sat next to Tina's other side. Sighing heavily at the sight of his wife comforting his younger sister. He didn't say a word, instead he leaned closer to circle his arms around them. His big figure was enough to embraced them both.
"We're here."
"Always."
The youngest' heart has never filled with such love.