Becoming Grey: Episode 39

Chapter 39 

June 2027 

Callie had checked the bags by the front door three times that morning, and she was beginning to suspect a fourth inspection wouldn’t accomplish anything except make her feel better. Their suitcases were zipped, the overnight bag was packed, and the folder containing their travel information sat in the front pocket of her purse. She had already confirmed the reservation for their first hotel and checked the route on her phone. The moving company had collected the last of their boxes the previous afternoon, leaving the apartment looking strangely bare. There were still a few things scattered across the kitchen counter, but none of them belonged in the car. Ryan had been helping since breakfast, carrying bags downstairs, checking the trunk, and finding things Callie was certain she’d already packed. At the moment, he was standing beside Juna’s backpack while her daughter searched through the remaining contents of the living room. 

“Juna, I told you to put your headphones in your backpack last night,” Callie reminded her, checking the side pocket of the overnight bag. 

“I did!” Juna insisted. She knelt beside the couch and reached underneath it, stretching her arm as far as she could. “I remember putting them somewhere.” 

“That’s not quite the same thing.” 

“They’re not under here.” Juna sat back on her heels and looked toward Ryan. “Did you see them?” 

Ryan glanced at the backpack, then at the small pile of things Juna had already taken out of it. He picked up the sweatshirt lying beside the couch and shook it gently. A pair of purple headphones tumbled onto the carpet. “Would these happen to be the missing headphones?” 

Juna scrambled to her feet. “Oh! I was looking for those.” 

“Apparently not very hard.” Callie said taking them from Ryan and handed them to Juna. “Put them in your backpack. Now, please.” 

Juna obeyed, although getting the backpack closed presented another problem. Between her books, stuffed Ridgeback, snacks, and the collection of things she considered essential for a cross country trip, the bag had developed a noticeable bulge. Ryan knelt beside her and held the sides together while she pulled the zipper. It caught halfway around the top, and he had to rearrange the contents before they finally managed to close it. Callie watched them for a moment, then turned back to the kitchen counter, where she’d left her phone charger. She didn’t particularly need to see Ryan helping Juna pack. She’d watched him do things like that for years. Still, she found herself lingering over the last few items rather than immediately putting them away. 

“There,” Ryan announced, setting the backpack upright. “That’s everything.” 

“Unless you find something else you absolutely can’t live without,” Callie told her daughter. 

Juna considered that with an expression Callie knew too well. 

“No,” Callie said before she could speak. “We’re not starting another search.” 

Ryan laughed and stood. He checked the time on his phone, then glanced toward the hallway. “Actually, before we finish, there’s something I wanted to give Juna.” 

Callie looked up from her purse. “Give her?” 

“Something for the trip.” He smiled at Juna. “I’ve been keeping it hidden.” 

Juna immediately abandoned her backpack. “What is it?” 

“You’ll have to open it.” 

Ryan disappeared into the hallway and returned carrying a rectangular box wrapped in green paper. He’d tucked it beneath his arm, and Callie could see that one corner of the wrapping had been folded a little awkwardly. She hadn’t noticed him bringing anything into the apartment that morning, which meant he’d probably hidden it among the things he’d carried in earlier. He held the box out to Juna, who accepted it with both hands. 

“Can I open it now?” she asked, already picking at the tape. 

“That would be the idea.” 

Juna tore through the paper with considerably less care than Ryan had apparently used wrapping it. A piece of green paper fluttered onto the carpet, followed by another, and then she stopped. Callie watched her daughter stare at the box underneath, her mouth falling open as she read the front. 

“Ryan!” Juna looked up at him, then back down. “Is this the Zelda one?” 

Ryan nodded. “It is.” 

Juna turned the box around, studying the artwork covering the front and sides. The Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 was unmistakable, its special-edition design featuring the familiar gold-and-green detailing and imagery from The Legend of Zelda. The package also advertised Ocarina of Time, a game Juna had heard Ryan talk about more than once. 

“Mom, look!” Juna hurried across the room and held the box up for Callie to see. “It’s the new Zelda Switch! With Ocarina of Time!” 

Callie looked from the box to Ryan, who was standing beside the couch with an expression of considerable satisfaction. “Ryan, what did you do?” 

“Got her something to keep her entertained.” 

“That’s a Nintendo Switch 2.” 

“I noticed.” 

Juna was still examining the packaging. She turned it over to look at the back, running her fingers across the pictures of the game before glancing up at Ryan again. “Wait. Is this really mine?” 

“Of course it’s yours.” 

“Like, to keep?” 

“Juna, I think he’d have mentioned it if he expected you to return it,” Callie said, although she was having some difficulty believing the gift herself. 

Juna grinned and hurried to sit on the carpet, pulling the box onto her lap. Ryan joined her to help remove the packaging, and Callie came over to sit on the edge of the couch. Inside was the console, its controllers decorated to match the Zelda design, along with the accessories neatly arranged in their compartments. Juna lifted it out carefully, examining the artwork on the back before turning it around to study the screen. 

“It’s already charged,” Ryan told her. “And I’ve got Ocarina of Time ready to play.” 

Juna pressed the power button, and the screen lit up. “You already put the game on it?” 

“Yep. Everything’s updated too. You shouldn’t have to download anything.” 

He reached for a second package Callie hadn’t noticed sitting beneath the wrapped box. Inside was a protective carrying case with compartments for the charger and accessories. Ryan opened it and showed Juna how the console fitted inside, making sure she understood how to secure it before closing the case. 

Callie watched him demonstrate the arrangement, then looked at the game already waiting on the screen. He hadn’t simply bought the console and handed it over. He’d taken the time to charge it, prepare everything, and make sure Juna could use it as soon as they left. 

“Ryan,” she said, unable to keep the astonishment out of her voice. 

He looked up. “What?” 

“You really didn’t have to do all this.” 

“I know.” He gave her a small smile before turning back to Juna. “It’s a long drive. Figured she should have something to do besides ask you how much farther it is every twenty minutes.” 

“Thirty,” Juna corrected without looking up. “I wasn’t going to ask every twenty minutes.” 

“That’s very considerate of you.” 

Callie shook her head, smiling despite herself. She’d been planning to let Juna use her tablet during some of the longer stretches, but Ryan had apparently decided the trip required something more substantial. He leaned over Juna’s shoulder and showed her which buttons controlled movement and how to access the game menu. Juna listened carefully, occasionally interrupting with questions about the sword, the horse she’d seen in the pictures, and whether the game had difficult puzzles. Ryan answered each question with the same easy patience Callie had watched him demonstrate while helping with homework or explaining something at the bookstore. She knew how much Juna enjoyed those afternoons with him. It was the sort of ordinary time together they were going to have to manage differently for a while. 

Juna played for another minute before suddenly holding the console out to Callie. “Mom, can you hold this?” 

“Sure.” Callie accepted it, expecting another question about the game. 

Instead, Juna got to her feet and threw both arms around Ryan. He caught her as she collided with him, laughing softly before wrapping his arms around her. Callie watched her daughter’s face disappear against his shoulder. 

“Thank you,” Juna said, her voice muffled against his shirt. “I love it.” 

“You’re welcome, kiddo.” Ryan held her close for a moment before easing back enough to look at her. “Just take good care of it, okay?” 

“I will.” She tightened her arms around him again before finally stepping back. “Can I call you if I get stuck?” 

“In the game?” 

“Yeah. You know all the Zelda stuff.” 

“I know some of it. And sure, you can call.” 

Juna nodded seriously. “And I have to show you my new room. Mom said I can pick where everything goes.” 

“Within reason,” Callie reminded her. 

“Mostly,” Juna amended. She looked back at Ryan. “I’ll call you when we get there, okay?” 

“Sounds good. Give yourselves a chance to get settled, and then you can show me everything.” 

Juna nodded in agreement before she retrieved the console from Callie, put on her headphones, and settled against the couch with the game resting in her lap. Ryan watched her for a moment before turning toward Callie. 

“Actually,” he said, “I’ve got something for you too.” 

Callie blinked. “For me?” 

He reached into his jacket pocket and brought out a small jewelry box. Callie stared at it, then looked at him. She hadn’t expected anything for herself, especially after seeing what he’d bought Juna. Ryan sat beside her and offered the box without making a production of it. 

“Go ahead.” 

Callie took it and lifted the lid. Inside, resting against the dark lining, was a delicate silver necklace. The pendant was a heart intertwined with an infinity symbol, the two shapes woven together in a smooth, continuous design. Its polished surface caught the morning light from the window, and the fine chain lay carefully arranged beneath it. Callie touched the pendant with one fingertip before lifting it from the box. The silver was cool against her skin, and the heart was small enough that she could imagine wearing it every day. 

“Oh, Ryan.” She looked at him, then back at the necklace. “It’s beautiful.” 

“I thought you’d like it.” 

“When did you even find time to do all this?” 

He smiled. “I’ve had both gifts for a little while. I saw the necklace and thought of you, so I picked it up.” He glanced down at the silver heart resting against her palm. “I wanted you to have it before you left.” 

Callie ran her thumb lightly over the pendant. It was pure silver, simple and understated, exactly the kind of jewelry she liked. She’d never been particularly interested in elaborate pieces, and Ryan knew that. The fact that he’d chosen something she could wear with almost anything made her appreciate it even more. 

“Will you put it on me?” 

“Sure.” 

She handed him the necklace and turned around, gathering her hair over one shoulder. Ryan moved closer, carefully bringing the chain around her neck. His fingers brushed the back of her skin as he worked with the small clasp, which apparently had no intention of cooperating. She could feel him trying to line up the tiny pieces behind her neck. 

“Having trouble back there?” she asked. 

“It’s a very small clasp.” 

“That’s generally how necklaces work.” 

“I’ve figured that part out, thanks.” He tried again, then laughed quietly when the chain slipped from his fingers. “Okay. One more time.” 

Callie smiled and kept her hair out of the way while he made another attempt. Behind them, Juna was completely absorbed in the opening of her game, the headphones keeping her from hearing most of their conversation. The faint tapping of her fingers against the controls was the only sound coming from the couch. 

“There,” Ryan said at last. “Got it.” 

Callie let her hair fall back into place. The pendant settled against the upper part of her chest, its silver surface cool for a moment before warming against her skin. She looked down and adjusted the heart so it lay flat, then turned toward him. 

“I love it,” she said, leaning forward to kiss him. 

Ryan kissed her back, his hand resting lightly against her waist. When they separated, Callie stayed close, looking at him for a moment before slipping her arms around his shoulders. 

“I wish you were coming with us.” 

His expression softened. “I wish I were too, Cal.” 

She rested against him, letting herself enjoy the familiar feeling of his arms around her. They’d talked about the move enough that she understood why he was staying behind for now. He still had things to finish at the bookstore, an apartment to sort out, and arrangements he needed to make before joining them. None of that made her particularly happy about leaving him. She wanted him there when they arrived in Gracewood, wanted him helping Juna unpack and complaining about wherever she’d decided the television belonged. Instead, they would have to tell him about those things over the phone. 

Ryan rubbed her back gently. “We’ll make it work.” 

“I know.” Callie gave him another quick kiss before sitting up. “But you better be working on that moving date.” 

“I am.” 

“Good. Because I have plenty of things planned for you when you get there.” 

“I was afraid of that.” 

She smiled and touched the pendant again, checking that it was sitting correctly. Juna was still playing, apparently oblivious to the conversation. Callie glanced toward the front door, where their remaining bags waited in a neat row. They couldn’t keep putting off their departure, no matter how much she might have liked another hour together. 

“Okay, Juna,” she said, getting to her feet. “Time to get everything in the car.” 

Her daughter looked up immediately. “Can I keep playing?” 

“You can play once we’re on the road. Right now, put it in the case so nothing happens to it.” 

Juna obeyed with unusual care, slipping the console into its protective case and making sure the zipper was completely closed. Ryan picked up the last suitcase while Callie gathered her purse, the travel folder, and the small bag of snacks they’d kept separate for the drive. They made one final inspection of the apartment together. Callie checked the kitchen, glanced into Juna’s empty bedroom, and confirmed that nothing remained in the bathroom cabinets. When she returned to the living room, Ryan was holding the door open for Juna, who had her backpack over one shoulder and the new carrying case clutched tightly against her chest. 

Outside, the California morning was already growing warm. The parking lot was quiet, with only a few cars scattered across the spaces closest to their building. Ryan loaded the suitcase into the trunk while Callie checked that Juna’s booster seat was secure and put the overnight bag where she could reach it during the drive. She’d made the same arrangements the previous night, but checking them gave her something useful to do while Ryan finished loading the car. 

When she closed the trunk, Juna was standing beside him. She’d carefully placed her Switch case on the back seat, and now she wrapped her arms around his waist again. This hug was different from the excited one in the apartment. Juna held on longer, her cheek resting against his shirt while Ryan folded his arms around her. 

“I’m gonna miss you,” she told him. 

“I’m going to miss you too.” Ryan bent slightly so he could see her face. “But you’re going to call me, remember?” 

Juna nodded. “And show you my room.” 

“Exactly. And I want to see how far you’ve gotten in Zelda.” 

“I’ll take pictures,” she promised. She gave him one more squeeze before letting go and climbing into the car. 

Callie waited until Juna had fastened her seat belt before stepping closer to Ryan. He reached for her, and she went into his arms without trying to say anything immediately. His familiar cologne lingered against his shirt, and she found herself holding him more tightly than she’d intended. She’d spent weeks preparing for this move, arranging housing, completing paperwork, checking enrollment information, and getting ready for her new job. She was excited about Gracewood and everything waiting there. She still wanted to stay beside him a little longer. 

Ryan kissed her, slowly enough that she briefly forgot about the bags, the route, and the miles ahead of them. When Callie finally pulled back, she kept one hand against his chest. 

“Call me when you get a chance,” she said. 

“I will. And you let me know when you get to the hotel tonight.” 

“Of course.” She looked at him, reluctant to move away. “Love you.” 

“Love you too, Cal.” 

She kissed him once more before making herself step back. Ryan opened the driver’s door for her, and Callie climbed in, settling into the seat she’d spend much of the next several days occupying. After fastening her seat belt, she noticed the fine silver chain had caught beneath the strap. She gently pulled it free and adjusted the pendant until the little heart rested comfortably against her shirt. When she looked up again, Ryan was still standing beside the open window. 

“Drive safe,” he told her. 

“I will.” She smiled at him. “I’ll text you when we stop.” 

He nodded and stepped away from the car. Callie started the engine, checked her mirrors, and backed carefully out of the parking space. Ryan stood near the curb as she pulled toward the exit, raising his hand when Juna turned around in her seat. 

“Bye, Ryan!” Juna called through the open window, waving enthusiastically. 

“Bye, Juna! Have a good trip!” 

Callie raised her hand too, watching him in the mirror as she turned onto the street. Juna kept waving until they reached the corner and the apartment building disappeared behind them. For a moment, her daughter remained turned toward the rear window, looking at the place where Ryan had been standing. When she finally settled back into her seat, she left the Switch case unopened in her lap. 

“Mom?” 

“Yeah, sweetie?” 

“Can we send Ryan a picture when I start playing? So he can see where I am?” 

“Of course we can.” Callie glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “I’m sure he’d love that.” 

Juna smiled and rested her hands on the case. She didn’t open it yet. Callie continued along the familiar street, passing the shops and intersections she’d driven through countless times during their years in California. At the next stop sign, she reached up to straighten the little silver heart against her shirt, then glanced back to make sure Juna was comfortable. 

Her daughter had already settled into her seat, the Zelda carrying case secure in her lap and her headphones resting around her neck. Callie smiled, checked for traffic, and continued toward Gracewood. 

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