Posted by Civilian Rafael Torres (Resident) in Quill and Parchment - Stability In Short Supply (Tag Torres)

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Quill and Parchment - Stability In Short Supply (Tag Torres)

Posted by Civilian Rafael Torres (Resident) in Quill and Parchment - Stability In Short Supply (Tag Torres)
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Karilan arrived at the bookstore a few hours after opening. The place was busy, as was the norm, and everything at first glance seemed in order. They glanced around, spike to a few of rhe employees and asked where Torres was. As they asked, he came through the back service doors pushing a dolly of crates of new arrivals. Karilan made their way to him and said “Mr. Torres. When you have a moment, please join me for a cup of coffee in the office.” and they set a hand on his arm before moving into the administration area of the building.

Karilan Massat, Owner, Quill and Parchment Books

Work was easy. It kept his mind focused on something rather than drifting off into terrible places. In fact, though it was not obvious aside from one employee (Tanis) who observed this fact first thing this morning, but Raf never went home last night. He camped out in the shop because it was safer to be here than go back to his apartment alone. Yes, he had been alone here, but there was something intangibly safe about the bookstore. Had he slept? Not much, but he had drifted off now and again.

“Of course,” he said to Karilan before returning to focusing on the unpacking the crates.

About fifteen minutes later, he made his way to the back, knocked on the door and poked his head in. “You wanted to see me?” he said softly, more than fatigue weighing him down.

Rafael Torres, Resident

Karilan was seated at their desk and they gestured to a chair. On the desk in front of the chair was a cup of coffee and a lemon-cranberry muffin. Karilan looked at him and said “First, I wanted to apologize: both for my absence and for the… interaction… with the Lieutenant Governor. I am sure that she will be contacting you to express that apology herself in the near future. I also wanted to let you know that while you may not be a suspect; the police are going to find out about Mr. Jo-… Dash’s… history. When that happens, you are not going to be left on your own to navigate that. I promise you that I am in full support of you, and you are not going to be thrown to the system.” They smiled at him and said “Now then… if I may call you this… Rafael, how are you feeling? Where is your mind at? And are you still… okay?” they asked gently.

Karilan Massat, Owner, Quill and Parchment Books

One hand wrapped around the hot mug, Raf picked at the muffin, pulling out a cranberry and popping it in his mouth, chewing slowly. Long moments passed before he spoke. “I am… I’m struggling, he said, eyes focused on the coffee before him. “It’s why I didn’t go back to my apartment last night. I don’t know why but it felt safer to be here, so I stayed. Camped out in the back room.” He shrugged. “There’s a lot of unfinished stuff that will never be finished. And I miss him. He was a like a brother to me, and like family things can be complicated. I know why he needed to keep his distance, even if it hurt sometimes, but Dash and I were still okay, that much I knew.”

Rafael Torres, Resident

Karilan nodded in understanding. “I am glad that you stayed, then. And you are free to do so anytime you need to. You can also go to the garage and work. For me, losing myself in mechanical and electrical systems for a while helps. It makes the world less.... chaotic. If there is a problem, you know it has a solution. And you always get that sense of closure. Real life?” and they shook their head. “Not so much…” They lifted their own cup to their lips and took a drink.

Raf hadn’t thought to go to the garage. He hadn’t been there without Karilan yet, as he had just settled into life working at the Quill, but the idea appealed to him. It would be nice to get lost in something interesting and challenging for awhile.

“Now tell me… what do you need? How can I help you through this?” Karilan asked, their gaze on Torres.

Karilan Massat, Owner, Quill and Parchment Books

His fingernails pulled across his left palm, the sensation grounding even as it caused mild pain. It was the good kind (at least in his mind). “I’m… I’m not sure exactly. When I came here I hadn’t really thought about much beyond finding work and a place to live. Now that I have that I suppose I should consider the rest of it. When I was doing well it’s been when I had certain things in place. A therapist, support group. That sort of thing. I don’t know how to find any of that here, not without going through the system and we’re trying really hard to make sure that isn’t the case.”

Rafael Torres, Resident

Karilan nodded and said “I know just the person to help.” and they picked up their PaDD and tapped a few commands.. Toress’ communicator chirped and Karilan said “That is the contact information for Dr. Sharah Fayth. She is the Chief Medical Officer for Star Fleet. She can help you with all of that and keep it from general knowledge. Call her as soon as you can and set up an appointment to talk to her. You can also let me know about anything you need. I am happy to help, and I hope you know that. You are not alone. And you do not have to do this alone, either.”

Karilan Massat, Owner, Quill and Parchment Books