Laughter Through the Pain

Despite his rolled eyes and twisted lips, Karna waved his hand at him from the wall. Even worse, he offered him a dazzling smile that almost blinded him.

He clicked his tongue and felt a sharp sting burn his leg as he tried to kick a twig. 

'I can't get angry at him when he smiles like that or vent without feeling my muscles shatter. How unfair did my life become because of Achilles' training?' 

Shoulders slumped, and raising the white flag mentally, he limped toward Karna.

Once before him, he raised his face, peering intently into the mythical figure's red eyes.

'You showed me your empathy for others. Please, Karna. Understand that I need time to recover without forcing me to say it.'

Of course, he could outright ignore him and return to the comfort of his house. But his teeth cracked as he clenched his jaws to seal the words that could free him from his commencing torments behind layers of fiery walls.