Fuzzy memories for Tekar and Lefkarthas?
Bright lights. White walls. A cold, sterile waiting room. Chemical smells that sting his skin. Mindless, time-wasting datapads piled on a table nearby. But how could he distract himself? He’s not allowed in, they’re not telling him what happened, just that something went wrong, a deformity, dead on arrival, dystocia, words that should have made sense but were too busy spinning around in his head for him to comprehend them.
“I’m sorry, she’s still recovering. We will tell you when you can see her.”
“If you cannot behave, we will make you leave.”
It’s unclear what happens next. He vaguely remembers a fight. His next memory involves waking up in a cell, charged with aggravated assault. He just wanted to know what had happened.
He comes down the stairs softly. “Mother? Mother, do you like my outfit?”
His father doesn’t look up from his work. “Your mother had to go out on call. She’ll be back after they apprehend the arsonist.”
Lefkarthas shuffles his feet. “When will that be?”
“She’ll be back when she comes back!” His father snaps, still not looking up. “She’s trying to keep people safe, please understand that she can’t be here all the time!”
“Yes, Father. I’m sorry to have disturbed you, Father.” He ducks his head respectfully and runs up the stairs.
Lefkarthas can hear his father moving, but it’s too late. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone anymore. He closes his door as fast as possible, locking it behind him, and slumps behind his bed. He just wanted his parents to look at him, for once. Was that too much to ask?
