Ephemeral Reverie #1 - The Silence Between

Chapter One - Homecoming

Charlie,

I am so sorry to have to be the one to tell you, but your grandmother unexpectedly passed away two nights ago. I tried to call, but none of the numbers I had worked anymore. I found this address in some of Marianne's paperwork. This is the only way I can reach you, and I'm not even sure it'll work. But I have to try, right?

I know we haven't spoken in almost nine years, but we need you to come home, Charlie. Someone needs to carry on Marianne's work. I know it's a lot, and I know you haven't had any training...but I'll be here to support you any way I can. I'll pass on everything I know.

If you don't want to come back, I completely understand. That day hurt a lot of us. I don't know how things will go, but I'm sure we can get support from Arbre Delvie. At least, for a while.

If and when you're ready, call me, okay? My number's below.

I love you, kiddo.

Lori

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March 4, 2019

Charlie stared out the window, trying to ignore the stiffness of the uncomfortable train seat. She fixated on the rolling hills and mountainside outside. Lush trees covered the landscape with a flourish of warm colors. Daisy yellow, sunset orange, and apple red swirled together as the wind ruffled the leaves. She looked up at the dense clouds glistening on the nearby hills, her green eyes seeming lost in the woods. The smell of rain and bark drifted in through the window.

A voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Miner's Cove in five minutes' time. Please make sure to have all your belongings before exiting the train. I repeat..."

Her stomach lurched and she saw she looked pale in her reflection on the window. She crammed her cellphone into her pocket—she didn't know why she had it out in the first place. The service up in those mountains was terrible. Grabbing her messenger bag, she entered the corridor. There was no one else getting off the train, and quite frankly she was more than relieved.

The train steadily slowed and then stopped. Charlie made her way to the door and stared out, waiting for them to open. At first, she didn't look up from the floor; something inside her just still wasn't ready. She knew it was the best thing she could do...in reality, the only thing. Everything was going to be different now.

With a sharp intake of breath, she held her head high and stepped out onto the platform the second the doors parted.

The train's brakes released in a sharp hiss and the big metal transport slowly squealed towards its next destination.

"Oh, Lori, she's finally home!"

"Hey, Charlie!"

At hearing the excited voices, she looked around to see two people. Aside from being slightly older, Lori was as she remembered. But instead of the short hairstyle she had back then, she now rocked a long braid slung over her shoulder. Tal looked as tired and kind as ever, wearing his extremely curly hair wild and free.

"Come here, you!"

She found herself in a warm, fatherly hug the second the train was in the tunnel and already far away.

"I'm so happy to see you! It's been too long..." Tal pulled away and looked Charlie over. "Gosh, look how big you are! I just...can't believe it's finally move-in day for you!"

Lori laughed. "Don't smother her, Tal! She just got here." She turned that warm and welcoming smile Charlie's way. "We're all excited to have you home."