Styx hushed her daughter quietly and while she didn't generally coddle them, this had been such a hard and heartbreaking situation for all of them. “You have nothing to be sorry for,” she assured and pulled her daughter close to her, pressing her hand to the back of Nike's head. “You have nothing to be sorry for. This has been very difficult but we'll get through it, okay?”
Keeping her breath as steady as possible, Hate just held her eldest child for a moment in silence. “I know it is hard. And it is hardest on you, Nike,” she paused. Styx released her then and guided her daughter to stand upright. “You are the oldest and your brothers and sister and going to look at you, whether they want to admit it or not, for some degree of guidance when things feel wrong. You have to stay strong for them until the dust settles.” Her hand stroked along Nike's chin.
“If it feels too deep, or you need help, just call me. I will come here as often as I can, but don't wait for those moments.”