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“How did you find me?” Spencer’s voice was low as he placed his cup of coffee on the table. His eyes were tired as he looked at Aaron, who gave him a soft smile.
“I know you, Spencer. You knew we would look at the places you would go. And then I asked myself where you won’t go. And I almost didn’t find you. But your letter to your mother was a good clue. And here we are.” Aaron sat down next to him.
“Why did you leave?” He softened his voice, knowing that Spencer didn’t truly want him here. He did leave for a reason.
All he got was a head shake as Spencer pressed himself upright, pacing the small cabin. “I couldn’t deal with the work anymore. And after my mom’s decline, and the migraines that I can’t figure out. I just needed to get away.” He shrugged helplessly as he tapped his finger against the counter.
“I don’t want to go back, please don’t tell anyone where I am.” His eyes showed how tired he was.
“I won’t tell anyone, Spencer. Just know that when you are ready, we will still be waiting for you.” Aaron kept his voice even. A pang of sadness at the fact that Spencer would prefer to be on his own, but he could understand where the younger was coming from.
“And if I am never ready?” His voice broke as he glanced at the floor.
“Then it would also be fine, if you are happy here, then no one will stop it.” Aaron held up his hands in surrender.
“Thanks. If you don’t mind, will you please leave?” Spencer kept his eyes glued to the floor. Holding open the door.
Aaron was silent for a few seconds before he pushed himself upright. “Of course. Spencer, you know where to reach me if you ever need me. You are not in this fight alone.” Aaron placed his hand on Spencer’s shoulder, hoping that it would give him some comfort.
Spencer slid to the floor when the door closed, tears streaming down his face at the pang that went through his heart. He missed the team; he missed being part of something. Even when he felt excluded quite a few times. He pressed his fingers against his face.
There was nothing to cry about. This was his choice, this was the way to just reset, and maybe in a few years, he would have the energy to face the world again, but at the moment, all he wanted to do was hide away.
To just be himself again.