Epics of Noche 5, Reflection

EON CH 04

TOO PISSED.

1777, APRIL 04th, MONDAY 9:00am. 

Noche followed Shaylin down the cliff side stairs and towards the hospital at the base of the mountain. They entered and both signed some papers to check in. After that, a nurse led them to a room.

"I'm glad you knew where he was. Thanks for taking me to him," Noche said. "It's been two years... Has he gotten worse in that time?"

"I visited him when I could. Kept my eye on him," Shaylin said. "He has some lucid moments, but yes. He's gradually getting worse. I'm sorry."

They entered the room and Noche froze for a moment as her eyes locked onto the only remaining, living family member she had. Professor Grin turned to the pair as he stood by a window.

"Hello. You both seem familiar. Are you related by chance?"

Noche and Shaylin stared at each other.

"We don't even look the same," the blonde muttered.

She took a step forward.

"Hello, do you know who I am?" Noche asked.

Professor Grin narrowed his eyes at her before they widened up.

"My new lab assistant."

Noche's fist tightened until her knuckles popped. Shaylin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The blonde took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly.

"Sure. Something like that," she said. "What are we working on today sir?"

"I was gonna make some toys," he said.

"Toys?"

"Yes, toys. I'll be having a grandchild soon, so I wanted to make something suitable for a newborn," he grinned. "But we can get to that in a moment. How are you doing?"

Noche paused. "I'm alright."

Professor Grim stared at her for a moment. "You don't sound alright."

"I said I'm fine!"

He gave her a sorrowful look; she sighed.

"Ok, I'm not fine. I've been through a lot recently. A real lot. I'm sorry for snapping."

"It's alright. I hope life gets easier for you going forward."

"Yeah... Me too."

"So how is school?"

"I uhh, failed to graduate."

"Oh that's a shame. At least you can always try again."

Noche chuckled.

"Did you ask that boy out yet?"

She spluttered. "What! I didn't — well, I mean, sorta? Gods."

It was Professor Grim's turn to chuckle. His mirth died off as he stared at her. His gaze lingered for a long period of time.

"Noche?" He asked.

Her single gold eye widened as her mouth hung ajar.

"Noche, what happened? You're injured!"

"G-Grandpa?"

Her voice wavered as she took a hesitant step forward. She lunged towards him and wrapped him in a hug. He froze for a moment before returning a tight embrace.