Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

“For the love of all that’s holy, listen to him,” Nelson said irritably. “I
know you don’t have a lick of common sense, but don’t be an idiot. You’ve
been told what will happen to you if you leave. You want that? Fine. Go. But
don’t expect any of us to come running to save you if you do.”
Alan’s shoulders were a rigid line. His throat worked as he swallowed,
eyes wet and lost. “She could hear me,” he whispered.
“Oh, look!” Mei said loudly. “I just realized today is National Free Tea
and Scone Day. We need to celebrate. If anyone wants a free cup of tea or a
scone, come up here and I’ll hook you up.”
Most everyone moved toward the counter, chairs scraping along the floor.
After all, it was either continue to stare at the odd owner of Charon’s
Crossing, or get something for free. It seemed to be an easy choice.
Eventually, Alan stood down, though Wallace could still feel the anger
and desperation emanating from him. He turned away and went to the far
corner of the tea shop, leaning his forehead against the wall as he shook.
“Leave him be,” Nelson said quietly. “I think he’s learning what this all
means. Give him time. He’ll come around. I just know it.”
Nelson was wrong.
The rest of the day went by in a blur.
Alan didn’t move from the corner. He didn’t speak. Wallace left him
alone.
Mei stood behind the register, arms folded, watching, always watching.
She smiled whenever someone came up to the counter to place their order,
but it was forced, thin.
Nelson stayed in his chair, cane across his lap, eyes closed, head tilted
back.
Hugo had disappeared into the kitchen, Apollo trailing after him, whining
lowly. Wallace wanted to follow after them but found himself frozen in place,
his thoughts racing.
She heard me. She heard me. That was what Alan had said.
And he’d been right. Wallace had seen it with his own eyes.
He didn’t know what to do with that information, if anything at all.
Did it even matter?