After the Trojan war, Odysseus had been acting strange. Distant even. This caught Polites’ eyes immediately, though he didn’t just go up and confront him right there. He didn’t want to pressure Odysseus into telling him. So he just asked how he was doing every now and then.

It didn’t really seem to do anything, Odysseus would just say he was fine. But he just seemed so unfocused, like he was listening but wasn’t really. So Polites decided just to ask him about it.

Right before Odysseus went to sleep, Polites caught up to him and asked why he was acting like this. Odysseus wouldn’t answer at first but finally told him, he felt guilty about Hector’s child he had to kill. Polites listened, concerned for his friend. He knew Odysseus had to, he was worried for Odysseus’ mental health.

“You can tell me anything you know, like you said when we were kids. I’m your light.” Polites said with a soft smile, pulling Odysseus into a hug. “let me be the arms that hold you tight..” he mumbled.