Page 8 of The Ties That Bind
Brie sighed, feeling unsettled. “I hate that we are so far away.”
“Not in spirit,” Tono reminded her. “And I know I’m not the only one who has been suffering.”
Her voice caught when she thought about Kylie. “Yes…” Suddenly, the pain of her death, coupled with the disappointment of the film and this frightening news about Tono, overwhelmed her and she fell mute.
“Brie.”
The lump in her throat became painful, making it impossible to answer him.
“Toriko…”
The warmth that flowed from his voice filled her with a sudden sense of calm and wellbeing.
“Talk to me,” he insisted gently.
Brie shook her head even though he couldn’t see it. “You’re sick, Tono.”
“I told you my situation. Now, it is your turn to tell me.”
She hesitated but gave in to his quiet command. “I’m still grieving Kylie’s death and watching Faelan’s soul waste away…it has eaten at my heart.”
“I am deeply troubled that I cannot be there for either of you.” Tono’s voice was heavy with regret. “But something spurred you to call me today. I can feel it.”
Brie groaned, knowing she could never hide anything from Tono. “It’s not a matter of life or death—”
“Tell me.”
She sighed softly. “I thought I had an offer for the second documentary. I even put your flower in my hair before the meeting started. What they offered was beyond my wildest dreams, Tono, and I had my heart set on it. But…” Her voice faltered. “I asked for final say over the project and they immediately turned me down.”
“I can feel your disappointment from here. However, you know in your heart you were right.”
“I do…” she agreed miserably. A sob escaped her lips when she confessed, “But Holloway won.”
“No,” Tono stated firmly.
Tears welled up in her eyes wanting desperately to believe him.
“That malevolent husk of a being doesnotown your future.”
Tono said it with such force, it felt as if she’d been hit in the chest. It took her a few moments to realize she’d been holding her breath.
“Do you hear me?”
“Yes, Tono.”
“Continue on your path and do not waver from it. I vow to do the same.”
His promise filled Brie with hope. It was as if their invisible bond had grown stronger and was powerful enough to propel them both forward.
“You fill my heart with joy, Tono.”
“Even in your suffering, you are a strength to me,” he replied.
She laughed softly. “No. It’s the other way around.”
Understanding the immense fear Autumn must be experiencing because of Tono’s health, Brie asked him, “Where are you now?”
“A hospital in Seoul, Korea.”
