Outside, Sirius sat beneath a tree, tears streaming down his face as he struggled with overwhelming emotions. He picked at his arm absentmindedly, causing it to bleed, his actions driven by a numbing sense of despair. The physical pain seemed to match the emotional turmoil he was feeling, and he felt disconnected from everything around him.
Orion and Walburga found him in this state, their concern deepening at the sight of Sirius's distress. Orion approached cautiously, his voice gentle but firm. "Sirius, what's going on? We're worried about you."
Sirius looked up, his eyes red and puffy. "I just... I don't know how to do this," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I can't handle it. I feel like I'm failing."
Walburga knelt beside him, her hand reaching out to stop him from harming himself. "Oh, Sirius, you're not failing. This is hard, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You need to take care of yourself too."
Orion helped Sirius to his feet, guiding him gently. "Come inside. Let's get you cleaned up and talk about what's going on. We're here to help you through this."
Sirius, feeling a mix of relief and shame, allowed them to lead him back inside. The warmth and support of his parents offered a glimmer of comfort amidst the chaos of his emotions.
Sirius walked back into the room, his distress not yet eased. The sound of Arias crying was overwhelming. In a moment of sheer frustration, he cried out, "Make him be quiet! I can't handle the crying anymore!"
He put his hands over his ears, trying to block out the noise, but the sound seemed to penetrate every barrier he tried to put up. Overcome with emotion, Sirius sank down to the floor by the wall, shaking uncontrollably.
Orion and Walburga rushed in, their hearts aching at the sight of Sirius in such a state. Orion knelt beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Sirius, it's okay. We're here. You're not alone."
Walburga approached gently, speaking softly to Arias. "Come here, little one," she murmured, taking the baby in her arms and soothing him with practiced care.
Orion looked back at Sirius with concern. "It's alright to feel this way. Let us help you. You don't have to go through this alone. We'll get through this together."
Sirius, still shaking, looked up with tear-filled eyes. The presence of his parents and their gentle reassurances began to pierce through his overwhelming fear and frustration.
Orion looked at Sirius with a mixture of empathy and resolve. "Sirius," he said softly, "postpartum depression is a real thing. It's likely what you're dealing with right now. It's okay to feel this way, and it doesn't mean you're failing."
Sirius's eyes met Orion's, a flicker of understanding and relief appearing through his distress. "I didn't know," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
"We're going to help you through this," Orion assured him. "You don't have to face it alone. We're here for you, and we'll make sure you get the support you need."
Walburga, still soothing Arias, nodded in agreement. "We'll find a way to get you the help you need. You're not alone in this, Sirius. We love you, and we're going to get through this as a family."
Feeling the weight of his parents' support, Sirius allowed himself to be comforted, slowly beginning to grasp that he didn't have to bear the burden of his emotions on his own.