Hey, here is a little something that would not leave me alone, until I wrote it. Feel free to let me know what you think.
Standard Disclaimer Applies
That Voice which speaks to me and calls my name
Noll stared out the window as the airplane began taxiing up the runway. He stared at the dismal clouds and felt in tune with the weather. It had already been two months since he had attended his brother's funeral. He was still holding in his pain. It dwelled inside him, like a living being, restraining his emotions. He knew it was a visceral reaction to his brother's death, but his intellect could not dissuade his instincts.
He thought about why he was returning to Japan. There is a high rate of supernatural activity. Is that the only reason I am returning? He glanced at Lin and knew that was the older man's reason. Lin sat in the seat next to him with his nose buried in a report concerning the high trend. I know Lin would stay here in England if I wanted him to.
He turned his head to gaze out the window once more. The slate rain beat against the window with a soothing cadence, helping him focus and think. He watched the raindrops slam into the window. The plane began its ascent and there was no turning back. Noll cleared his head only to hear his brothers teasing voice.
Noll, drop the scientific approach and be honest with your self. He started at the irony of hearing Gene's words. I don't want to! He watched the world below fall away as they gained altitude. If I do think that way, then that opens me up to silliness.
He closed his eyes for a moment only to see the very image he didn't want to think about. His eyes popped open. See that just proved my theory. He could not be honest with himself about his reason for returning. If I am honest with myself then I have to admit more and that cannot happen.
Why not? He heard the same teasing voice again in his thoughts. Because I am not ready…it is too soon, and…and… The plane leveling off and the flight attendant bringing the snack tray up the aisle distracted Noll for a moment.
He turned away from the activity around him to stare again at the gray gloom. You are out of excuses, Professor Davis. Noll started, now his mind was even getting the tone just right. Hey, I said your self not the rest of the world.
Lin glanced at his associate noticing his odd silence. Not that he is ever talkative, but for him even this is a bit much.
"It will be interesting to see Taniyama-san and the others again." Lin kept his tone bland and tried to gain a reaction.
Noll stared at the older man with a bored look. "If you say so…" Fine you win, now kindly shut up. Somewhere inside Noll, his own quiet voice agreed with Lin. Noll felt a small crack in the restraint of his emotions and his pain eased just a bit. Are you happy now? His own silent laughter lifted his lips in an arrogant smirk.
Lin saw the change almost instantly and hid his reaction. It is about time my friend.
FIN