Satellite

Chapter 25 - Difference

      (Y/N) heard Drake hold back a snicker behind her but ignored him. She finished wrapping the soldier's hand and then gestured to the people gathered around. "These people haven't heard it."

       Her shoulder nudged against Dell's who had a mouthful of beans in her mouth. "Right?"

       Dell quickly swallowed, understanding (Y/N)'s plan, and nodded her head. "Yea, I uh- haven't heard this story before."

"Welp," Rockman pushed himself up on the old couch to get ready to tell the totally true and completely accurate tale of his sasquatch encounter that he hasn't changed the story several times with each retelling. "You youngins' better get comfortable because this one's a doozy!"

       With his attention off of Vivian, the woman sighed in relief and gave (Y/N) an appreciative smile. The nurse smiled back in understanding.

       The rest of the night went on with Rockman telling his tale of the sasquatch he encountered while on a camping trip in the mountains during the 80s. A group of young hippie boys roasting hotdogs and playing guitar singing kumbaya around a fire when one of them saw a tall furry man through the trees who wanted their shrooms. Rockman tried to play it off as some scary tale but the way he exaggerated certain parts and even described the sasquatch in a way that sounded like a moose, gathered a couple of amused chuckles from the group.

       The last time (Y/N) heard this story, he was on a date with his at the time fling when the sasquatch interrupted them to steal beers from their truck.

       But in the middle of the story, both nurses began to feel tired after a long day. It took quite some effort to get that room they were planning to sleep in clear enough. They were even able to uncover a futon that was hidden underneath piles of books.

       They both shared a similar sleepy look in agreement. While Rockman was at the part of him beating the sasquatch with a large stick, both ladies proceeded to slip out while he and the soldiers were distracted.

       Drake noticed them go but didn't feel the need to hover over (Y/N) right now. His eyes stayed on her back, however, right until she left the room.

"Honestly, that old guy sounds like he's off his rockers." Dell yawned as the two walked down a hall. "Is he actually telling the truth?"

"I'm not sure if he ever told that story truthfully." (Y/N) shrugged. "It's different each time."

       As they walked toward the staircase at the end of the hall, (Y/N) noticed a light emitting from the studio room down another hall. It bounced against the wall and illuminated that framed photo of the fishing trip so long ago.

       Her eyes lingered for a few seconds before she decided to go check the room and told Dell that she'd meet her in their shared room in a second.

       (Y/N)'s footsteps were quiet mostly thanks to her sleepiness. She kept her eyes down from looking into any of the photos on the wall. Especially once she reached the very end with that fishing trip photo directly ahead of her. She wanted to just turn into the room but couldn't help sparing just the slightest glance.

       Even just seeing his face in the old photo, the proud smile he held, it was one she missed so much. A small that she wished she could see now.

       A feeling of guilt filled her heart, followed by regret. In her head, her grandfather wouldn't be smiling at her now.

       She tore her eyes away from the photo and walked into the studio room. There were a couple of candles lit up on the large table to provide some light while the smell of cigarette smoke filled the air.