The Callahan Archives (In The Shadows)

five.

Later That Night

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I sat on my bed, restless as always. It's not something abnormal for me if I don't sleep at night, I just don't sleep. It's not that I'm worried or anything I just have a hard time sleeping I guess.

It's about 4am, I sighed. Might aswell make a coffee or do something just do something.

Just as I was about to get up, my phone rang out through my whole apartment, It was Soren. I found it odd that he was calling at this hour. I picked up almost immediately.

"Hello?"

"Hey Arrow," Soren answered, he sounded completely drained. "I apologize for bothering you at this hour."

"Oh it's fine don't worry about it," I chuckled. "You know me, I don't sleep."

"It's nice to hear from you again."

"Yeah sorry about that Soren, work has been keeping me busy." I responded with a sigh.

"It's alright, you've always been a hard worker, even since we were kids." He said and I chuckled a bit. I was 12 and he was 13 when I got recruited into my agent job, I trained for a while and it paid off, Soren on the other hand lead a normal life, like any teen. But we stayed close friends.

"Yep that's just me." I responded smiling, even though I knew he wouldn't see it.

"Well, I guess I should get to the point." He took a shaky breath. "I know this is a lot to ask of you, but do you think you could stop by real quick?" I paused.

"Yeah, of course. I'll be right there," I pause once more before continuing. "Is everything okay Soren?" He hesitated a moment before answering.

"I'll tell you when you get here." the dailtone then rang in my ear, singaling the end of our call. I sighed and drew in a long breath.

I threw on a black trench coat over the rest of my plain black clothing. I left quickly and drove fast, by now I'm already worried sick.

I arrived at his apartment, and lifted a fist to knock on the door. He opened it almost instantly.

"Hey." He said softly. "Want some tea?" He asked as he opened the door for me. His eyes were puffy and red, which made me confused of what possibly could've happened. I nodded to him as I walked in. He closed the door for me and continued on to the kitchen to put the kettle on.

After the tea was made we both sat on the couch. It was a nice grey colour, soft plush kind of couch.

"So what's wrong? It's not like you to be up this late." I asked as he silently stared into his cup of tea.

"I just got a call," he started, still peering over the rim of his cup. "My stepmoms body was just found on Pine Mountain yesterday morning." then in a hoarse whisper he continued, "She was all I had left."

"Oh I'm so sorry Soren.. If it makes you feel any better I know for sure that the guy who did it is in jail." I slightly smiled at him, as his eyes shot to me.

"Really? I hope that bastard rots." He clenched a fist as he put his cup of tea down to rest his head in his hands. Blond hair falling infront of his face as he did so.

"Me too, he's taken care of." I replied as I looked at my own cup of tea, and noticed my somber expression in the reflection. I looked back to him.

"Hey.." I put a hand on his back. "It's going to be okay." Soren immediately wrapped his arms around me as I finished my sentence. I'm not sure what he needs right now, but I'll sit here and help to the best of my abilities.

"Sorry.." He mumbled against my shoulder, "I just- I need this right now." I hummed an agreement as I reciprocated the hug.

I stayed there until he fell asleep, he was obviously exhausted from all his crying. I set the blond down on the couch and grabbed him a light quilted blanket. He should be okay now, so I make for the door.

I stand at the door and turn to look at him one last time. I smiled at his peaceful sleeping state. His face relaxed as his body was the same. With that I slowly closed the door and left.

As I walked out of the building I hoped that I comforted him well. I'm not good with that sort of thing but I just hope it helped.

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