ShiKahr, Vulcan, Stardate 2292.299

Sarek turned at the sound of the door opening.

"I didn't realize you'd finished already," Amanda said as she stepped into the bedroom.

"Only just now." He held out his fingers to her as she approached.

It was his custom to meditate for at least forty-five minutes prior to retiring for the evening, and when the weather allowed for it, he preferred to do so in the garden. Tonight, however, he had used a room across the hall that was set up for that purpose, as Amanda, Malar, and Naalem had been sitting outside talking.

Amanda touched her fingers to his, smiled, and then turned toward the closet to undress.

"So what was that business that brought you into the city? Or can you not tell me?"

"I'll tell you about it tomorrow, after final arrangements are made. It's nothing to be concerned about it."

"When you say it's nothing to be concerned about, do you mean it's truly nothing to be concerned about, or do you mean you don't want me to be concerned about it because you know it's something that I'll be concerned about?"

She turned and gave him a frank look.

"I mean it is minor, in the grand scheme of things. Truly nothing to be concerned about. That was perhaps a poor word choice on my part. Something routine." He returned her look and knew that she'd understand. He knew that she knew there was little he could keep from her. She'd never completely forgiven him for hiding the fact that he'd had a severe heart condition. Since then, he'd made an effort to be more open with her, at least when it came to matters that weren't confidential. He knew he still wasn't as forthcoming as she would have liked, but he felt that he made an adequate compromise.

"It's a shame you weren't able to give Losha a tour of the neighborhood," Amanda said as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "He seemed interested in the history of the house. But he really was worn out. I suppose it'll take some time before he recoups all his energy. The heat probably had something to do with it too."

Sarek froze in the process of undressing. "He seemed interested in the history of the house?"

"I think so. Perhaps you could take him to the Central Archives."

"I will ask him if that appeals to him." He finished undressing and opened the drawer containing his sleeping garments.

"Yes, you should suggest it. I think you need to spend some time alone together, and the Central Archives probably won't hold any interest for Naalem or Malar. I think Losha has misunderstood some things you said and it would be beneficial if you cleared them up."

"What things has he misunderstood?" He turned from the dresser to face Amanda and approached the bed.

"Well, he thought you had an ex-wife to begin with." She chuckled as Sarek sat down on the bed, but then sighed. "And he seems to be under the impression that you didn't want anything to do with Sybok."

Sarek pressed his lips together, turning his head from his wife's gaze. Interacting with Losha was not proving easy. He had attempted to reach out to him, but it seemed his effort had failed. He would have to consider other ways to proceed, though none occurred to him at the moment.

"Hmm," was all he said in reply.

The following morning, on his drive to the hospital with Losha for a follow-up visit, he considered what more he could say. Losha seemed content to stare out the window, taking in the scenery around him. Perhaps he was tired. The news he had to discuss with his grandson depended somewhat on what Dr. Karatek determined about his condition. He would wait until their return drive.

Dr. Karatek determined that Losha's progress was satisfactory and that further visits would not be necessary. The vision therapist had also determined that further visits were not required, but that they could be beneficial. She offered to send Losha's records to a vision therapist on Senes if he wished to avail himself of one there. These were the only details Losha provided.

"Do you wish to continue seeing the vision therapist, then?" They had just begun their trip back to the house.

"I'll see how things go with the exercises first." Sarek took his eyes off the road for a moment to see that Losha was staring straight ahead.

"That is sensible." He paused a moment before continuing. "Have you at all reconsidered the procedure to repair the telepathic damage?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Sarek could see Losha's mouth open slightly, but he did not speak at first.

"No." Losha did not turn towards him, but continued to stare ahead. "I haven't thought about it. I've been...concentrating on being able to read again. Maybe it's something I'll consider in the future, but it's probably time that we all get back to Senes."

"You are certain?" Sarek took his eyes off the road for a moment to turn to him, attempting to make eye contact. Losha look towards him and nodded his head.

"I ask because I have been asked to travel to Lorillia II next week. If you would like to remain on Vulcan, for any reason, I will make arrangements for another ambassador to be sent instead."

"I wouldn't want to keep you here. You've done enough for me." It did not escape Sarek's notice that Losha had returned to staring out the window.

"My specific presence is not required. I am at liberty to choose which assignments I take. You would not be 'keeping me here' if I were to decline the assignment."

"Still, there isn't any reason you need to stay. Like I said, it's probably time Naalem, Malaar, and I got back to Senes. I don't want Naalem to miss too much school."

"He cannot continue his studies remotely?"

"I suppose he could…" Losha trailed off.

"Studying on Vulcan may be a benefit to his education."

"Yes, I'm sure it would. But I also don't want to keep him from his father for too long."

"I see." Hope was not logical, but Sarek had been unable to suppress a part of himself from hoping that Losha had reconsidered his plans. He sensed that once his grandson left Vulcan, that would be the last he would see of him. It was something he knew he must accept, and he would, but he wished it did not have to be so.

Amanda had said that Losha harbored some misconceptions about him and he wished to address them. However, he found himself at a loss as to how to proceed and Losha seemed disinclined to conversation. Whether it were from fatigue, disinterest, or a combination of both, he was uncertain.

"Then I shall begin making arrangements for your return to Senes."

Author's Note:Yes, it's been a very long time since I've updated. I was on track to finish this story by the end of 2017 when my work schedule changed unexpectedly. My schedule hasn't improved, so I'm only able to write when I've got a vacation day here or there. I do hope to get the next chapter out by the end of January, when I have a few days off. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with the story and especially to , LORIOVER50, Cathy Kley, Texas Cow Girl, DefenestratedCountess, and Guest for your feedback on my last chapter. Special thanks to my beta reader, TomFoolery. This story will get finished come hell or high water :-)