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“Not so much super, just an individual who’s extremely attuned to other’s emotions.”

“Why does Talyn struggle? If you come from a strong family, you have the same ability as them. Did they not teach him how to use his ability?”

“They were excellent teachers.”

“So, Talyn knows what to do with his ability and how to shut it down if it becomes too intense.” Sinead looked at the ceiling. “Something must have gone wrong. If Talyn is so distressed by experiencing other’s emotions, what does that mean?”

“I wish I could tell you. It’s a secret only Talyn can reveal.”

“Back to the guessing.” Sinead looked at Talyn, and her heart ached when she saw the pain on his face. She didn’t want him suffering. She wanted to see him safe and well.

Her mom always said she had a weakness for bruised guys who needed fixing, and that no good would come of it. That wasn’t true, but she hated seeing people hurting. There was no harm in helping others, and Sinead could see that Talyn needed help, if only she could figure out what the problem was.

“Does he have a good relationship with his parents?” she asked Booby.

Booby paused again. “His father is no longer alive, but they were close.”

“And his mother?” Maybe she was the problem. Talyn could have broken away from his mother after an argument, and their emotional conflict caused him pain.

“His mother is in constant contact with him.”

“They speak every day? Do they have a good relationship?”

Again, Booby was silent as if trying to find a workaround to the question. “They do not speak as such. Talyn is always aware of what is going on in her mind.”

“They communicate only through their ability? I didn’t think it was like telepathy or mind reading.”

“It is neither of those things.”

Sinead was onto something. She could feel it but wasn’t sure where to take her questioning. Something was going on with Talyn’s mother. There was something about the way she communicated that didn’t help him.

She shook her head. “I’m lost, Booby. I understand that Talyn’s blocks cause him harm. If he keeps his barriers up all the time, he suffers, is that right?”

“You are correct.”

“Did he have his barriers fully up when we first met? It seemed like, although he was there physically, his mind wasn’t.”

“He did. Talyn does not enjoy crowded places. He spends a lot of time only with me.”

“He said he liked to travel. Does he do that to stay away from people or because he enjoys exploring new places?”

“A little of both. And I’m not bad company.”

Sinead smiled. “Booby, you’re excellent company. I just wish you could tell me what’s going on.”

“You’re close. And Talyn needs you. I understand that signing the contract was a surprise, but you might like to give it a chance and see if you can find your own workaround to stay together. He’s a decent individual. If you can find love for him, he’ll return it. He’s been alone for too long.”

“He has you.”

“There are certain things a sentient ship cannot do. I cannot rest my hand on his forehead like you are doing. I cannot look into his eyes and assess the emotions going on behind them.”

“Neither can I,” Sinead said. She stroked a hand down his face. Even though Talyn was suffering, she felt calmer sitting next to him. He did good things to her. He made her feel great. He made her feel calm.

A red light flashed. “Talyn’s temperature is spiking.”

Talyn jerked under Sinead’s hand and gasped. His back arched off the bed.

Worry heated Sinead’s veins. “Is there anything I can do?”