The Love Left Behind by Daniel De Lorne

Author:Daniel De Lorne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Escape Publishing

13

Lyall woke his phone and the time shone bright in his bedroom’s low light. Ten pm—Nick should have called earlier. A lot earlier. Sitting on his bed, back propped up against the headboard, legs crossed at the ankles, Lyall’s foot tapped out the microseconds before he checked his phone again. Either a message would appear or the time would change. There wasn’t anything to do but sit and wait.

He’d come home to concern from his family and a suspension letter from EnergySafety, but none of that mattered once each hour was passing and Nick hadn’t made any contact. He’d factored in time zones, possible delays, how long it might take to do whatever it was he was doing, but after the ten-hour deadline passed, nothing added up.

He’d scanned warnings on the government’s travel advice website and online news. The first item stopped Lyall’s heart. An Australian had died in a car crash on a Myanmar freeway. Four years ago. His chest still hurt from the reboot.

Two in two days, thanks to the previous day’s electric shocks. And they’d fully charged his anxiety batteries. He had a whole supply to burn through waiting for word that Nick was injured or worse. Enough for a long wait. It’d been hours before they’d known for certain that Bryce was dead either.

Grace appeared at his bedroom door. ‘Still nothing?’

He shook his head, bouncing one edge of the phone on his tensed thigh, spinning it, and bouncing the other end.

‘I’m sure he’s fine. He probably just got delayed, or he’s on a plane or something.’

Those possibilities were far at the back. The other more horrific ones had taken prime position and were marching up his throat. He couldn’t speak or they might leap out and come to pass. Better to keep them inside and not tempt fate. Better to think positive thoughts. Better to make bargains.

If Nick was alright, he would do everything and anything to fix his phobia.

If Nick came home, the next time he went away, they’d be together.

Please, bring him home.

Grace sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her fingers through his hair. His foot stopped fidgeting. ‘If you want to talk about it—’

‘I’m fine, Mum.’

‘Lyall, I don’t think you are. You’ve been in here ever since you got back. Nick will be ok. This worrying isn’t good for anybody.’

She tried to sound confident but there was a catch in her voice, a breathlessness he recognised.

‘Then don’t worry about me. Go to bed.’

She didn’t move. He looked at her, and she wasn’t quick enough to wipe away the worry twisting in her eyes. Was that for Nick? Or for him? She hugged him, her hold kneading his bruises. He winced and patted her back, bearing her aching affection. When she released him, he let go of a held breath that softened his pain. He wished her good night and she left the room. With her gone, he could do something useful.

He dialled the number for Foreign Affairs, getting a series of

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