Hutch had been sitting at the table for hours attempting to align the fragile pieces of the amulet, in hopes of determining how much of it was still missing. Not wanting to damage the fragments further, he opted to replicate the pieces, sketching each one out on paper and them cutting them out. Using the paper pieces, he would compare, turn, and adjust them without worry, and tape them together when he could.
The more he managed to connect, the more he began to pray that he had enough of the original piece to find a way to repair it; if it were even possible. For while he had become familiar with the many forms magic took on Illimev, he was, at best, an amateur in the most common of uses, and at worst, he could answer some trivia on the subject. When it came to the amulet, all he knew for certain was that Salvador was never seen without it. Rumors had even claimed that he would execute anyone who dared try to touch it. Whatever the actual value it had to Salvador though, Hutch didn't know, and given his final words, Hutch couldn't be certain that Salvador knew exactly what breaking it would do either.
As the puzzle began to take more of a shape, Hutch could see that he was still missing a fair bit, and would go back outside to look for more pieces. He would do this once more having successfully found more fragments the first time. However, during his last search, the sun had begun to set, and he could find nothing more. Returning to the table, he finished reconstructing what he could, using the bits of paper and tape, while the pieces remained safe on a nearby plate, next to the bag of myrrget, of which he had recovered a handful more. He was focused, concentrating so deeply on his work, that he'd lost awareness of his surroundings, causing him to jump when the screen door of the trailer slammed shut.
"Why the hell is it so dark in here?" Cherry questioned as she turned on the light over the entry way, her keys jingling as she dropped her purse onto the high-top counter.
Curled over the table, hand over heart, Hutch was attempting to calm himself. Loud noises had become a sign of powerful magic, something that required one to fight or flee. It had become an instinct, something he would have to work on, now that he was back on Earth.
"Did you hear me? What are you doing sitting in the dark?"
"Yes. Sorry, you startled me," he replied, straightening his posture, and taking in a deep breath, pointing up at the lamp overhead. "I only needed this one on."
"Oh? And what are you so focused on?" she asked sounding genuinely curious as she removed her coat, slowing her motions when she began to look around. "Did you clean?"
"I did."
She froze at his reply, her curiosity melting into something somewhere between fear and concern, as she looked at him from the corner of her eye.
"You should probably sit down."
She nodded and took a step back. Sliding onto the bench across the table from him, she sat down, drawing her coat into her lap as he stood and made his way into the kitchen.
Taking a glass from the cupboard, he filled it from the water pitcher in the fridge, setting it down before her on the table.
"Can you spare a few minutes?"
"Yeah," she struggled to reply as he returned to his seat, her eyes tracking his movements.
Pulling the plate and the bag of myrrget, which appeared to be no more than a light-colored sand, over between them, he took the frame and chain from his pocket, and placed it down next to the plate.
"What is this?" she questioned.
"This is the proof I didn't know I had. It's what remains of the amulet. I realize it isn't much, but this is all there is."
"Jules, honey," she began, setting her hand on top of the table, stretching it out towards him. "I know you think something dramatic happened to you, but you don't need to prove it, not to me. You can put all of it behind yourself now. I mean, thanks for cleaning and doing the dishes. It actually smells amazing in here, but you can go back to just being you."
"I'd rather not. See, I don't remember either of us liking me all that much. And I don't think you like living like this either. So, with your permission, I will clean your room as well," he remarked, seeing his mother's attempt to avoid what was laid out before her. While it was disappointing to know that she didn't want to believe him, he saw no point in forcing the issue further. In the grand scheme of things, he couldn't see what difference it would make. He would explain if she asked, but otherwise would let the topic rest.
"You want to clean my room?" she gasped, taken aback by the unorthodox offer.
"Yes. Just this once to get you organized."
"I don't think that's a good idea. There are things in there you shouldn't see."
"Your job is no mystery to me."
"Jobs; plural. And I need to get ready for my next one," she replied, getting up from her seat continuing as she made her way into her room. "I have most of tomorrow off though. If you really want to clean my room, I suppose we could work on it together. I really do need to go through my cloths and get rid of some of them." Closing the door, she called out, "Did you manage to find your shoes?"
"No, but I will look again more thoroughly tomorrow morning."
"Don't bother. I thought about it, and you were due for a new pair anyways. Plus, Steph's working in the afternoon, so she can hook us up with the employee discount."
"Have you eaten yet?" Hutch asked, not wanting to say what was truly on his mind.
"I don't have time," she replied, coming out of her room in jeans and a sweatshirt. "I'll grab something at the store like normal. There's always something about to be pitched that's still edible." Picking up the glass of water, she chugged it back and set the glass on the counter. "I'll be home by one, but don't wait up. The doc said you still need your rest."
"I happen to agree. Sleep sounds like a good idea."
"Alright then. I'm off to the station, but I'm genuinely excited to spend the day with you tomorrow. Seems like forever since we've had a chance to do more than just watch TV."
"You have no idea," he muttered his reply as she put on her shoes and coat, grabbed her purse and keys, and ran out the door, shouting, 'love ya!' as it closed behind her.
He watched through the cracked glass of the storm door as she got into the car, started it up, and put on a fresh coat of lipstick, before putting the car in reverse. He watched as she turned the car around and then pulled out of the driveway, and onto the road where she disappeared down the hill. It was dark out, but the few street lights were enough to make the stars difficult to see. Stepping outside, he made his way onto the front lawn, turning until he spotted the moon. No matter the amount of light pollution, it was still there. He hadn't forgotten what it had looked like, even after all the years he'd been away, but now all he could think about was how empty the sky seemed without two others at its side.
After a few minutes, the chill of the night air began to get to him and he went back inside. Cleaning up the table, he took the amulets remains into his room for safe keeping, before washing the glass, and setting it onto the counter to dry. He couldn't bring himself to attempt eating anything else and opted to sit on the couch, turning off all but the light above the entrance way. It was strange, quiet, and uncomfortable. Closing his eyes, he could hear the sound of the fire cracking and popping in the hearth. He could imagine the feeling of its warmth on his face, and the way Kahlala would drape herself over his shoulder, kissing at his cheek as she asked him to come to bed. Her hair and skin always smelt like smoke, if not from their homes fire, then from the smokehouse or outdoor firepit. It was the scent of their home and community, and yet on her it was rich and more inviting.
Opening his eyes, his cheeks were now wet. His thoughts striking at the emotional cord running down the back of his throat. He couldn't swallow it away, no matter how hard he tried, and found himself breaking to the realization that he may never see her again.