Losing fight

The next day I helped Taran feed his gem, but it was a struggle for both of us. He seemed absent, and I could focus without him. It frustrated Taran more. Now the distance between us feels greater.

We arrive at my apartment before sunrise. Taran and I cook together. It seems to help him relax; then we watch a movie before bed. Taran and I wake up in the middle of the afternoon. I check my phone on the charger and find that there are twelve missed calls from my father. Listening to his voicemails, I hear how frantic he sounds, "Tru, I need you to come home as soon as possible; it is about your mother." His other voicemails ask me why I am not calling back, where am I, and if I want to see my mom again, I should hurry home. All sound more panicked than the last.

I quickly call him, "Dad, is everything okay? What's wrong with mom?"

"Just get here as soon as possible, Tru," is all my dad can say. He sounds heartbroken.

Taran overhears the call; he puts on some clothes then turns to me, "L