She did not speak. Reeve grimaced.

“I’ve missed you.”

An echoing laugh; hollow in nature. Reeve felt tears burn the corners of his husky eyes, but he swallowed them away. If this is what he got, it was at least better than nothing. “Uncle has uh…talked to me, recently. He told me he saw you, and that you said ‘hi’ or something. He also said you promised to show up this time…” Hate swelled in his chest, and his cheeks started to burn.

“You…promised.”

Another laugh. Reeve grit his teeth, gripping Hawthorne tighter. His knuckles popped.

“The wraiths are still taking care of me. I uh… tried, going to a real school the other day. Heh, funny story.” Reeve rubbed the back of his neck, eying the projection of his mother warily. He knew he wouldn’t be punished or even yelled at by her, but he could hope. “They found out and I got in trouble with the cops again. Ehe… yeah…” No reply this time.

Reeve frowned and pinched his nose. The starting of a migraine gnawed his brain.