Grim Echoes

Chapter 42 - Ander

Ander studied the mission file and memorized all necessary information. Both he and Will had adequate memories, primarily due to the exercise he currently preformed but his was superior. Not gifted with a photographic memory, but the filing system in his mind was very organized. Designed so even at his lowest points, his mind could still access information quicker than the average human. Will previously teased him about his mental filing system when they were younger, but over the years had come to respect Ander's ability to recall information expeditiously. At the moment, he found it difficult to concentrate.

His mind drifted to when their eyes locked in the library, when her hand touched his. Will mocked him, and Mason's expression made it clear she assumed he had experienced yet another slip with reality. But they were incorrect. When their eyes locked and they touched; they had shared something. Maeve called it a soul touch, and he agreed. He had sensed her presence. No images in his mind, as she claimed, were in hers. However, the tumult of emotions that coursed through him at rapid speed were unmistakable. Reminiscent of reliving his entire life in seconds, but with no context.

At the time, directly after, he was sure he slipped again. Until she spoke. Then he knew it was not the case. Somehow, they had shared his life without speaking. Ander had never been that connected to another human. It terrified and thrilled him in the same heartbeat. Maeve had allowed a sliver of herself to infiltrate him. The heat and light of her were exhilarating. He craved it again. Her touch, her attention, and that small smile she showed only to him.

Movement in the bathroom signaled Maeve was about to exit. The stench of Will's cigarette crept into the room. Ander opened his bag. Relieved to discover a candle, he pulled it out. Will had not thrown it away. Will found his candles as offensive as Ander found Will's cigarettes. He lit the candle as the bathroom door opened.