The City of Astan [2]

Ethan

I sit up and pull her close, kissing the top of her head and keeping my arms around her as she cries.

Whit

"My baby..." I sob, arms wrapping around my stomach.

Ethan

I tighten my grip and bury my face in her hair, closing my eyes and forcing myself numb.

Whit

I sigh, "I'm...I'm okay."

Ethan

I stay where I am, swallowing and composing myself, and don't say anything back in fear I might show how torn up I am.

Rose

I open the door and close it behind me, in a brand new pair of denim jeans and white t-shirt. Also finally with my mask on.

"Excuse me, I hate to break the mood but, I got an estimate for when I'll be leaving." I said.

Whit

I glance up at Rose and wipe my eyes again, "When?"

Ethan

I don't respond or look up, not wanting to be seen as vulnerable as I really am.

Rose

"I'm going need a month to the earlist, three to the latest." I said.

Whit

I swallow and nod, looking down again, "Okay."

Ethan

I sigh and tighten my grip around Whitney, keeping my face hidden from the two and my eyes closed still.

Rose

I've seen this before, Ethan gets like this when he was troubled. Or something bad has happened to him recently, I walk over and get down on one knee beside him.

"Ethan, what's troubling you?" I ask.

Whit

I glance at Rose and let Ethan explain, burying my face in his shirt.

Ethan

I shake my head and take a deep breath, "S'not something I want to talk about. It won't change things."

Rose

"Ethan, remember what happened the last time you kept things bottled. The terrible after effect it had on you, you shouldn't keep your troubles bottled up until they all come out at once." I said quietly.