Talk to Me

He sits in the same grassy hillside overlooking the city every full moon, waiting for it to come out and play. La Luna, or Luna, as he calls it. Every werewolves' constant companion during their life on Mother Earth. To him, it's been a replacement girlfriend.

Augustine has fifteen minutes until it's night in the mountains of northern Arizona. Fifteen minutes until he can talk through the moon to his mate, Eryka. During the full moon phases, werewolves can talk to each other over great distances, as well as “feel” each other. It's a special bonding that no phone conversation can ever replace.

Something's changed in her. It's not the same with us anymore.

He felt her change a few months back, when she was hesitant to talk to him during a full moon phase. She was distracted, short on words and answers, and he felt a block of sorts. She was trying her best to hide something from him, which was impossible during the connection. But she managed to do it, or maybe he got tired of trying to get it out of her.

The last seconds of the afternoon tick by as night sets in, dragging the moon with it above the eastern horizon and over the trees. It hits him in its soothing energy, as well as Eryka's heart filling him with love and sadness. He knows this isn't going to be a pleasant conversation.

Hey there, big guy.

Hey yourself.

We need to talk.

He feels the pain and confusion in her, mostly the hurt. Figured we'd have to sooner or later.

Please don't be like that.

I've felt  you wanted to break for some time and I'm supposed to be happy?

Augustine, you said it yourself my schooling's important, so I'm doing my part. Taking care of the pack is yours. That's no less important.

It's been a year since we've seen each other. You don't come home, and you don't let me come visit. You say we have our different responsibilities for now, that's fine. We both know a relationship is two people being together, and this distance has changed all that.

Stop blaming me like it's all my fault. What, I can't be my own person as well as being part of the pack?

What about being a part of my heart? Does that go out the window as well as being your own person?

The conversation goes quiet for a bit. Each one feels the emotions running hot in the other. Words can't express what the other is feeling, because they feel it, instead.

Soulmates aren't supposed to break up, Augustine finally says.

Our priorities are separate now, love. We knew it was coming. We felt--

What's his name?

She pauses. Augustine feels her heart racing. Please, his name.

Abram, she says, followed by crying. I'm so sorry, it just happened! That's why I stayed away and didn't want you to come visit. We were kids away from home for the first time, alone, and our friendship grew from there. I'm sorry!

Funny, that's what everyone says. You should've been more honest with me. Eryka feels his heart ache, his pain knot like a cramp.

You have a good life, Eryka. Study hard and stay strong. It's what you deserve. Making a life away from family and pack is always that way. Augustine, in turn, feels her pain, heartache, and sadness for going on with her life. Most of all, for hurting him and not being honest.

Auggie, just so you know, you'll always--”

Don't. Just...have you a good life. You're free from the pack. Walk in beauty. Eryka tries to tell him one last thing, but he severs their bond, and his soul feels empty. He stares at the moon a bit longer, letting the tears run down his face like lava. On that lonely hillside, Augustine shifts to wolf, and starts howling at the moon. From all around, other wolves join in, a chorus to the night and the moon.

Augustine wonders if their hearts are broken too.