Friendship

Effie motioned Zale to the two couches that framed a coffee table in her office and went to grab a binder from her desk. Zale eased himself into a seat. "So, is it just paperwork for now? When is the OJT for the rookies?" he asked.

"That's not until four. Well, the prep is at four, ship out at 4:30. But yes. For now, it's just paperwork to get you back in the saddle," Effie said, taking a seat across from him.

She opened the documents and started explaining things. Most of it was about Zale's injury compensation and other contractual obligations and releases that needed acknowledgment and signing from Zale. It was a long process that neither of them was particularly excited about, but business went smoothly.

Effie stacked the papers back in order and reclipped them into the binder. She let out an exasperated sigh. "Alright, we're done with that, finally. Now then, how have you been?" she asked, reclining on the couch and giving him a different look.

It was something in the way her eyes, lips, and body communicated that told Zale he was no longer speaking to Effie, the manager, but Effie, the long time friend. She was a slave driver, and overworker, and a sadistic boss with pep and a giddy laugh. Yet, she was someone Zale had known for a long time. Too long, maybe. "I've been better, as you can see."

Effie nodded. "They wouldn't let me see you in the hospital. Said no visitors. Period," she complained.

"That was my personal request. I didn't want to see anyone."

Effie nodded again, slowly, but her expression held anger, fists tightening. "Why?"

"I had a lot to think about. I mean, a run-in with death isn't an everyday thing. Being in a coma for a month is just a whole other layer. I wanted to spend some time alone thinking. Get used to things. To sort of...reorient myself, I guess?" he tried to explain, fusing truth with covered secrets.

Effie slapped the couch. "Shit, Zale. You could have talked to me about it. I know you have your fears, but you shouldn't keep it all inside. How do you think I felt when I heard you might never wake up? And then when you do, I can't see you? We're friends, aren't…"

She stopped.

"It's not you, Effie. I didn't see anyone. Not even Meru."

Effie remained silent. "I'm sorry I made you worry. Really though, I'm alright now. I've got to take things slowly for a while, but I'm alive, and I'm here. That's what matters," Zale reassured calmly.

The warmth of her concern was revitalizing. Zale smiled at her, and she shrugged. "Fine. I believe you. That smile tells no lies," Effie accepted.

"You can probably head to the garage for now. I'm sure the crew will be excited to see you again," she said, perking up as she stood.

"Please, I'm just another grunt out here slaying monsters to get by. The fame and glory go to the elites."

"Trust me; you're worth more to the people here than those gasbags with their inflated egos. I swear, just because they're strong they think they can bypass everything," Effie complained.

"Careful. They might hear you," Zale joked and hoisted himself off the couch.

Effie produced a sinister grin. "Let 'em."

The pair concluded business, and Zale decided to take Effie's offer to head to the garage early. As he opened the door to leave, Effie called out. "Hey, Zale. About me questioning us being friends…"

"Apology accepted. I know you were concerned."

"Thanks. It's good to have you back."