(Based on true events, in tribute to my recently departed Uncle.)  

While at my workplace, near the end of the day, I had stumbled upon some upsetting news, alas I had to temporarily put those thoughts in the back of my mind, as I had a dentist appointment afterward at Portage Place Mall. Once my "spa for my mouth" treatment was completed, I headed home through the usual skywalk network. The time came where I couldn't prevent the sadness and anger from invading my mind. 

Then I heard that familiar voice calling my name.

It was Loki.

"Beverlee, are you okay?" he asked, "you look like you are sad."

"I am, my friend."

I spied a bench nearby, and we both sat down. At first, I wasn't sure what to say.

"Tell me," he said, putting his hand on my arm, "even if it's really bad. I'm here for you."

"My Uncle in Toronto passed away today," I looked up at him, trying to stay calm, "but I wasn't told directly. I found out through a public message on social media."

Loki looked at me for a moment, then pulled me into a hug which I accepted without hesitation. I didn't realize how much I had been trembling with the shock of all of this.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Beverlee," he said softly, "and what a horrible way to find out that kind of news." Releasing the hug a bit, he looked at me carefully, "not to diminish your grief, but something similar happened to me," he said sympathetically, "may I tell you?"

"Of course," I said, starting to feel less shaky.

"Not too many years ago on Asgard, my mother... my adoptive mother... was murdered by Dark Elves," Loki said quietly, "at the time I was imprisoned due to my crimes on Midgard. However, neither Odin nor Thor came to tell me. It was after they held her funeral when a stranger did. Suffice it to say I felt such as you but more intense - I ended up wrecking the contents of my prison cell."

I pulled Loki back into a hug, "I'm so sorry," I whispered, "it's mind-boggling how people can be so cruel."

"Let's get a drink," Loki said, "and you can tell me about your Uncle."

"As long as you tell me about your... adoptive mother."