Page 59 of Beneath the Flames
Brie heard the fear in her voice. “What, Autumn?”
“He let out a scream that rocked me to the core. It was such a terrifying sound that I still can’t get it out of my mind.”
“I had no idea…” Brie muttered, her heart beating frantically at the news.
Quickly changing the tone of the conversation, Autumn told her, “I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am that you not only survived but are thriving again.”
Brie instantly thought about the pillow Master Anderson had given her with the wordTHRIVEstitched onto it. It was amazing to think that after being almost shattered, she’d found a way back from the darkness because of all the people who helped her to reach this point.
“I am thriving, Autumn,” she agreed. “And from what Tono said, you are, too.”
She gushed with excitement, “I am having so much fun on this tour, and I’m getting to meet so many new people who support our work. I can’t believe this is my life now. I know I’ve said before how much I love to travel. But it’s more than that, Brie. I feed off the energy of the audience. There is no bigger high than when I’m flying in the air, bound in rope, receiving all their energy.”
“I can’t imagine it, but it sounds incredible.”
“It truly is!” she declared joyfully. “I’d better let you go, because I’ve got to pack for the next leg of the tour. But I’m so happy to hear you are doing better!”
“And I’m thrilled for you, Autumn.” Knowing that she was every bit the jokester that Lea was, Brie asked, “Do you have a joke for me before you go?”
Autumn chuckled. “I don’t do that anymore.”
“Oh?”
“Now that I have this new life, I’ve let go of childish things.”
It struck Brie as a little sad. “Well, I wish you continuedsuccess on the tour.”
“Thank you! And I am wishing you continued healing, my friend.”
Handing the phone back to Tono, she called out to Brie, “Bye…!”
“It is truly a gift to know that you are doing well,” Tono confessed to Brie.
She caught a hint of sorrow in his voice and immediately asked, “What’s wrong, Tono? I sensed something was wrong when you visited me, and I hear it in your voice now.”
When she heard his uncomfortable sigh, she insisted, “There’s no point in keeping it from me. I’m doing well now, and it will only drive me crazy if you don’t tell me.”
He chuckled sadly. “Yes, I know you.”
“Then please tell me…”
He said nothing for several moments, forcing Brie to wait patiently for his answer.
“It has to do with my mother.”
Brie frowned. “What is she demanding now?”
“She’s dying, Brie.”
Knowing how complicated their relationship was, she asked Tono, “How does that make you feel?”
“Lost.”
The pain in his voice hurt her heart, and she immediately begged, “What can I do?”
“There is nothing to be done. My mother has an inoperable brain tumor.” He groaned painfully. “This has put me in a difficult position, and not one I am certain I can navigate.”
Clutching the phone, she asked, “How do youmean?”
