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Ch. 8: Eagle Trainer

Message One.

"Hey there Doc," A slurred voice spoke over the voicemail. "I just — wanted to make sure you're A-Ok! Hahahah. Listen, Doc, I'm —" There was suddenly sobbing on other line. "I'm good!" He sniffed. "I'm alright! I swear! I'm just — I hope you're okay. Okay?"

Message Two.

"Doc, you know — I'm an absolute idiot right? I mean people think I'm smart but I'm so oblivious. I'm just — I don't think sometimes. I don't know."

Message three.

"Yooo Doc, I need you to know you looked really good tonight, not like — in a weird way. I mean — ugh."

Message Four.

"You looked nice is what I mean to say, I'm not good at words... I'm — well for a voice hero I'm still not good at words...just at being loud."

Message Five.

"I understand if you never want to see me again. I was a real jerk, you know? Not cool man."

Throughout the week, while she dealt with her insurance and getting a new home she listened to these messages over and over again. Mic was nowhere to be found besides work and home. He didn't speak a word to Shota unless needed, strictly work-related, and there were no visits from him either. Shota resumed showing up with the paperwork and the occasional meal but it didn't make her happy.

That Friday Shota showed up as usual with the paperwork. He placed the folder on her desk with little words coming from her.

"Thank you." She continued to study her paperwork.

"Alright. I'll bite. I've been down here every day this week. You don't talk at home if you're home. What gives?"

"I've been very busy with my research."

"Bullshit."

She stopped writing and looked up at him. "Seriously, Shota, what do you want?"

"Have you talked to Mic at all?"

"No.. I haven't, but he hasn't talked to me either." Nature leaned back on her chair.

"I tried to talk to him. He listened but had nothing to say. I think he'll talk to you." Shota explained.

"I'm not sure I'm the best person to talk to."

"He left you how many messages that night?"

"It doesn't matter if he wanted to talk to me he would have come out and started a conversation."

Tigris stood up from her desk and gathered her items. She turned to leave but one of Shota's ropes grabbed onto her wrist. She looked back at him, annoyed.

"Go to his house tonight."

"Fine..."

"Good. Let's go home."

_________________________

Tigris grumbled over being forced to go see Mic. She felt nervous about the event playing with the sleeves of her hoodie while she walked down his block. She wanted to stay as small as possible.

Once his house came into view she stopped and gazed at it. "Come on Tigris, you can do this."

Her feet moved by themselves up his steps and before she knew it the doorbell was rung. She took another deep breath waiting for the door to open.