Familiar Concepts

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『7』:『00』

"Will, Will. . . I need you to get up."

William slowly shifted awake feeling his body hoisted into the air by a pair of stronger hands. His eyes fluttered open as the image of his brothers face faded into view. 

"Jon-Jonathan, what. . .what are you doing here?" He yawned, wiping the slightly dried drool from the corners of his mouth in disgust. Looking around, he noticed the living room chairs and the dangling phone before fully coming to, his eyes remaining half-lidded. 

"You fell asleep by the phone," Jonathan lectured, guiding his lethargic brother over to the sofa. "Mike is here," he motioned to the black haired male standing across from them.  

"Yeah. . . Jonathan called. Somethin' about you hearing Joyce's breathing over the phone?" He glanced at the handheld receiver that continued to dangle in the air. At the name of his daughter, William's hazel eyes perked up, pooling with life.

"Joyce- you found her? Please tell me you found her," his words, croaky and hoarse.

Michael took a seat on the opposite couch, removing his hat and folding his hands together in his lap. He clicked his tongue as his eyes struggled to meet William's.

"We're still looking. We went all the way to Cartersville"

"And?" The brothers asked simultaneously, eagerness laced in their tones.

"Nothing"

William released a disappointed sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose, tears began to form once more.  Jonathan placed a hand on his brothers leg comfortingly, as William began to cry inconsolably into his hands.  Michael awkwardly shifted around, watching his friend cry in front of him.  He pulled his face down with his hands, before clearing his throat. 

"And you heard her breathing on the phone?" 

Through tears, William nodded, trying to calm himself down. Michael rose from the chair, making his way to the phone. 

"Are you sure it wasn't some kids pulling a prank?" He asked wearily as he hung the receiver up properly.  The ceiling fan seemed to grow louder as the three men sat silently. William nodded slowly, his arms wrapped around himself as Jonathan scoffed glaring at Michael with disdain,

"Why would a random kid do this Michael? Honestly"

"Well ya' know, TV and all this new stuff. Really brings out the freaks and crazies-" 

William stood up sternly, interrupting the chief, "No, Wheeler, it was not a prank. It was her, You don't think I wouldn't familiarize my own child's breathing?"

"All I'm saying is it's an emotional time for you, your mind could be making things up to doctor up an explanation for her disappearance."  

"Your saying you wouldn't remember your own child's breathing?"

Michael winced as William's skin grew clammy, his hands covering his eyes. 

"I'm sorry that was- That was a low blow Mike I didn't mean to-"

Michael threw his hand up trying to cease the awkwardness with a lighthearted laugh. 

"No. . .no it's fine, it's a stressful time for you, I shouldn't have probed you." He took a step back from William, do you have any other potential places to look?" Michael tried to steer the conversation, making his way to the front door.  William shook his head as he followed after the chief, still profusely mumbling about his stupid question.