Bash pulled away and smiled. He pressed his lips to Gaia’s forehead before he released her and got to his feet. His eyes scanned the painting as he approached. It was exceptionally good. 

 “Bash!” Gaia woke from her dream screaming. She shot up in bed. Her eyes quickly scanned the room as she gradually realized she was alone in bed. Gaia’s body was drenched in a

 Gaia slunk into work with bags under her bloodshot eyes. Her normally well put-together style, screamed “train wreck” instead of her usual “pin-up girl chic”. She was on autopilot as she attempted to hold herself together through the morning rush. Lucky for Gaia, her dick of a boss, Derek, had called in sick. Something must be going around, and Gaia hoped she wouldn’t catch it.The droves came in for their coffee and breakfast sandwiches, while Gaia tried not to burst into tears. No one likes salty coffee. She still hadn’t heard a peep out of Bash and as the hours passed, she lost more hope of ever hearing from him again.

 The sun had yet to set, but Quin was already up. He hadn’t really been able to sleep, anyway. Bash stirred. He’d been groaning and crying out in pain for most of the day. The doctor was there with him, and Bash had quieted down.“What do you think, Doctor?” Quin asked.“Well, the silver seems to be completely out of his system,” the doctor replied.“Sir? Wh

 Bash’s roar echoed through the entire house. “What are you saying?” he yelled.“Sir, I apologize. We couldn’t locate it,” Elena replied in a meek and timid voice.