Auros: Restless City

Grief

It had been a week since Jack had passed away. Mika made sure to visit Adrian daily to check on his well-being. He hadn't gotten much better.

When Mika walked in, Adrian was glued to the TV screen. He was watching some kid's show that Jack used to watch. The Bubblegum Prince.

"You shouldn't be watching that," Mika sighed. "I know you said to occupy yourself, but I meant going for a walk. Or maybe baking. You like baking, don't you? Hey, maybe you can give me some cookies to give away at work!"

Adrian didn't respond. He wiped his tears on his blanket.

Mika set down a bag full of shopping on Adrian's kitchen table. "I got pizza for you tonight! Nice and simple meals. Are you eating what I've given you? You look pale..."

"Of course," Adrian mumbled, "I don't like starving... really, I'm fine. Gloria said I could have two weeks off. I still have another week. You don't need to check up on me anymore... really."

"No. You're family, Adrian," Mika huffed, "I'm not giving up on you. I would say you can move in with me, but my apartment is a bit small... I need to find a bigger place, but rent prices suck."

Adrian stuffed some crisps into his mouth before responding. "I like my place, anyway. Jack... Jack liked to watch the cars go by."

"I-I think we should start putting away Jack's things," Mika stuttered, "Um... if you want to, that is. Or we can keep his room as it is. But it's not healthy to... to keep weeping into his clothes. Why don't we donate them to charity? There's plenty of little boys out there that can do with his clothes and toys."

"Let... let me keep his favourite things. Don't take them all away," Adrian pleaded, "You understand, don't you, Mika?"

"Yes... yes, of course. We can sort that out when you're better," Mika patted Adrian's shoulder. "I have to get to work. Will you be alright? I can drop by later."

"I'll be fine," Adrian dismissed him, "You work late sometimes, anyway. Go... focus on your job. You have other people to help."

Mika nodded and headed for the door. He took one last look at Adrian and headed outside. Adrian's home was on the other side of the city, and the constant trips were making him late for work. He couldn't keep this up for much longer.

When he finally arrived at work, Chief Suzuki was already waiting for him at his desk. There was a heavy frown on her face. His lateness was finally catching up with him.

"Fifth time this week, Mika. That's everyday," she huffed, "This is unacceptable. You can visit your cousin after work, not before. If it was an immediate family member, I'd be willing to be a bit more lenient. But this isn't your mother."

Mika nodded and looked down at the floor. "I-I'm sorry... it's just... we work too late sometimes... I can't take care of myself and Adrian... and he lives so far away too..."

"As long as it doesn't happen again. Alright?" Chief Suzuki said in a stern voice. "Noah has the details on your current case. Get to work."

Mika sank back down in his chair and stared at his computer screen. "Is the stakeout today? I was kinda hoping to get home..." he mumbled to Noah.

"Yeah... sorry. We're gonna be working late today," Noah patted Mika on the back. "You can visit Adrian tomorrow, after work. Don't worry - you can still text him, right? I'm sure the Chief won't tell you off for sending a text."

"He never responds," he huffed, "I don't even know if he reads them. He just spends all day staring at that TV..."

His sadness was interrupted by the giggling of Gabriella. She had been spending more and time with Nathan, asking them a million questions a day on how they worked. Nathan could only tell her so much - some company secrets had to be kept, after all.