Chapter 62: Chapter 62

“The cow died maybe a week ago. Some of the dogs and cats were outside, and they’d eaten what they could, you know?” Padraig looked worn-out, more than upset or disgusted, which were Kaos’s main feelings.

“That’s horrible.”

“Yeah. All in all, we had to put down both of the horses, one of the sheep, six dogs, and five cats.”

“Jesus….” Kaos looked at the tightness around Padraig’s eyes, the way his jaw clenched, and put his sketch pad away. “Come here, Padraig.”

The way he looked at Kaos, like he hadn’t been sure he’d ever be allowed that close again, broke Kaos’s heart. He kept gesturing until Padraig grabbed Hestia and moved her to his other side, then curled up against Kaos. For a six-foot-tall man, he could make himself small when he felt miserable.

“How many survived?” Kaos asked, deciding to concentrate on the important part while he held Padraig in a protective hug.

“The pigs, two sheep, sixteen dogs, and twelve cats.”

“Will they all live?”