A routine had been formed over the previous nine days. As arose in the early morning; later Wayne would take his daily perch just outside of the front entrance to the cabin. As has instructed him to make sure not much pressure was put onto his foot, as the bone was very brittle and could break easily. Over time, Wayne had become more hesitant on speaking, as he felt there wasn’t much to speak of as of late. Simultaneously, he felt as if he shouldn’t speak of his dilemma back home. It came to a head one night, wanting to show itself in fullness. Sitting beside one another, Wayne in his bed and As in a chair, they were quiet. The wind outside was dead, the only sound Wayne heard was that of his own chewing as he ate. He could never stray his mind from the thoughts of his Allysa, who he loved so dearly. Wayne spoke.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t told you much about my family life, but I’ve been thinking about something. I don’t know if I can think about it a lot longer.”

  As noticeably perked up. Hearing Wayne possibly revealing an inner issue ignited the selfless nature in him. It was almost as ifit were involuntary.

  “Feel free...” As inquired.

  “My wife and I were having some... fights before I left on my trip. I was thinking of, um... a big one we had and she brought up divorce. I don’t know if we even love each other anymore. If that would happen... I’d want custody of Allysa, of course, but I only work a factory job and she’s in medical. She’s a radiologist, so she makes a lot more than I do. I work as much overtime as possible, but even then I make just under what she does in a week. Most of our money goes towards our daughter. I don’t know...” he trailed off, “I just don’t know what to do.”

  “Well, have you two attempted talking to one another?”

  “Oh, we’ve tried. That’s what starts the fights in the first place. The only thing I can think of is taking a break from each other, but if I did that, it could give her more of an excuse to go ahead with paperwork.”

  “I see,” As said, his voice a low tone. “Unfortunately, I wish I could help, but I imagine your wife would be scared of me as your mediator.”

  Wayne chuckled. He hadn’t had a good laugh like that in some time. As continued.

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  “I’ve never had anyone special in my life, personally, but I don’t mind. When I lived in the kingdom, it was a large community. I was busy being a child, not having much of a care for anything. Later, my parliament taught me the importance of fixing what is wrong, without needing to be asked. I appreciate you sharing things with me, but I feel as though my...” he looked for the correct word, “recollection of things are too...”

  “Upsetting? You haven’t wanted to say anything for a while.”

  “Yes... One day, it’s as if... as if a tree fell to the ground. It loses its structure.”

  Wayne was empathetic, but he couldn’t place why. It was subconscious.

  “Hey, um... you can have your bed back. It’s been a while. I don’t want your back to hurt on that couch. You’re busier than me.”

As seemed delighted for a fraction of a second, then he realized.

  “No, no. Thank you, Wayne, but you need it more than me. I appreciate the gesture.”

  Wayne focused on the ache in his body, his back, his leg, from always laying down.

  “As, this isn’t about what I need. I can’t do anything about this right now.” Wayne pointed down towards his makeshift splint. “I shouldn’t be the only one who’s got everything for them. I don’t want you to be miserable for me.”

  As went into a short thought. He paused.

  “That’s very considerate of you. Thank you.”

  “After how much you’ve done for me so far? I don’t think it’s considerate. I think it’s the least I can do. Please.”

  As smiled benevolently, recalling many moments from the past where he himself had acted so generously. His demeanor was seeping into Wayne, almost as if it was encapsulating every crevasse.

  As’ upbringing in the Owarr kingdom, all of the lessons he had learned, all of the owls his juvenile self had known, all of the scriptures and the Owarr charter he had read and memorized.

  All of it was at long last paying off.

  The two lay situated, side by side. The half moon bared its dampening light as the clouds rolled. As heard their heartbeat, just as they had on that first night. It was more sharp than it ever had been. He focused on it, drowning out his own. Each beat was like a wall, obscuring the previous one.

  “Good night, As.” Wayne said, jokingly.

  But there was no response. As was dormant.