Reconciled in the End

Chapter 9: Sharing

After traveling to the lower street market, Siren’s eyes darted about at the tiny shops. Thomas was silent and cautious, but thoroughly amused as well. Siren shuddered, “The price of everything has gone up since last I’d bought anything. I don’t think I can afford much. Well actually, nothing right now. All my assets were confiscated permanently once deemed incompetent to pay for care.”

She looked to tears as she continued, “I have nothing to my name. No way at all. I intend to find a job, but even I can’t reason how to begin to restart my life financially again. No one will hire me, even if I’m overly competent, and I have restrictions set on my probation as well.”

“Don’t worry, I've been informed of them too before signing for your release. I am aware and prepared to assist,” Thomas nodded unconcerned about the trouble.

“No wonder the institutionalized return again. There’s no way to make it! I swear though, if you just loan me a small amount for a comb and toothbrush, soap too, I guess, I will pay my debt eventually with a steady job,” she vowed.

Thomas chuckled a little as he watched her scrutinize the price of a toothbrush. “If we become longtime exclusive partners, I see our finances joint. You can’t incur debt to an account like that, and if you send us broke, I’ll work harder.”

Siren looked conflicted as he settled to offer out fun looking toothbrushes to coax her choice. He knew as independent as she had always been in their younger years, that this forced dependence on another would be difficult. There was no choice in it once she agreed to the probation. She owned literally nothing right now. He was glad to at least be allowed the shoulder that she could lean on for help.

“Huh, I like this Sakura one, or that one lights up! Neat,” he grinned childishly.

Siren shook her head, “Those are a few hundred more than the standard ones Thomas. I just need the basics.”

Thomas laughed a little, “I’ve never gotten into toothbrush shopping before. This is fun. Combs will be next, though I’m getting a little hungry."

The comment induced Siren to choose swiftly as they proceeded to combs. She would discreetly suggest other more female amenities at home and order there, but this was the bare instant basics needed without delay of a day. After Siren succinctly made her reluctant choices for all her necessities, the pair then made way to ponder about food choices.

Thoughtfully, for he had been instructed by the asylum about her medical record carefully, he knew she was a high aspiration risk, and certain dietary concerns needed to be adhered to for a little while. He knew her already shambled pride wouldn’t try to further crush itself by stating her deficits. He assumed Siren would attempt to suffer in silence to show she was just as normal as he, but that very well could kill her, or at the least make her very sick. He had researched beforehand to know her issues.

His plan was simple as he asked gently, “Siren, do you still remember how to cook? Could you teach me at least? The greasy food around here doesn’t agree with me the older I get, but I was thinking of grabbing groceries and a nice meal at home for us.”

She nodded as he smiled, contently listening to her food ideas and subtly suggesting things that would work for her.        
When they got home, Siren hesitantly looked around the modest and tight, loft style apartment. The city never afforded much space, so it was a cramped sight, but Siren knew for the space that Thomas was paying a good amount in rent. The entrance immediately walked into a kitchen tight for two to move in. The living room, barely a space for a couch, managed a desk in the corner with a mess of electronical pieces strewn on top. She was impressed it fit as it kissed the back of the thin couch with a permanent dent. Outside, an empty balcony displayed the city, lighting the living room by a full floor to ceiling glass wall and door.