Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties

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After no one objected, the small group meandered into that direction. Cassandra took this time to update Avik over her niece and nephew. Though Avik didn’t outwardly show pleasure, her heart warmed with the information. Kivel had begun a career in the medical field while Jasper took an interest in the finer arts. Each child had found their own path with only a little nudge from their parents.

As they drew closer, Cassandra’s conversation died down.

The bar and grill were wedged between two larger buildings, giving it a more humble appearance. Above the entrance was a neon sign with the place’s name: Kindred Pub. The neon flowed from deep red to bright yellow then back. A man stood at the entrance, but only gave them a brief glance and returned to his stiff posture.

Kekac led them to a seating arrangement nearest the bar. A few moments later, a feline waitress arrived. While she placed a holo menu at the center, she told them she would come back to take their orders and walked to another table.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

As the meal wore on, Va’rek apologized and excused himself. He explained he had business elsewhere causing them to part ways. This left Cassandra, Kekec, and Avik to continue the visit on their own.

“The anniversary of mother’s parting is coming up. Are you considering taking leave and visiting her memorial with father? He could use your support and misses your conversations.”

Avik’s mind stalled at Kekec’s elegant attempt to remind her of an event she wanted to forget. She placed the fork down, her appetite faded for the moment and looked at him. Her mind was debating on how truthful she should be.

The truth was worth more than a lie, she decided. Avik folded her fingers together under the table.

“I haven’t considered my schedule for it.”

Cassandra’s lips curled, her expression produced a sour look. Avik could feel the heat in her image but she didn’t address it. Her eyes locked with Kekec who seemed to be peeling away her defenses and piecing together her state of mind. He knew why she hesitated to join her father in remembering their mother. Out of all her siblings, she had been the closest. Their mother’s departure had left a hole within her. One that never completely healed.

Kekec took a cleansing breath and placed his hand on Cassandra, surprising the woman. Her eyes turned to him with a question on her lips. He simply shook his head, a gesture to let him handle it.

“Father would appreciate seeing you at least before the ceremony. You two were the closest to her. Please consider it.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

“I’m strongly in disagreement it would be the best course of action…” Avik began before Kekec interrupted her.

“Father does miss your presence. I know you two have become distant because you chose not to confide in him over Salkr’s death. Instead, I had to inform him.”

Kekec’s last statement silenced Avik for a painful moment. Her eyes turned from him, unable to look him at. In a few moments the waitress came back to retrieve their plates. As the woman moved away, they began to get up.

Avik fought the urge to run away from the situation as they began to walk out. After his last statement, Kekec wisely decided not to push on the topic. Even Cassandra had appeared to relax from her earlier judgement.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr