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“You can change her mind about that,” Booby said. “Show Sinead it’s a good thing to stay with one person.”

Talyn tapped his fingers on his knees. “If she’ll let me. She has to know that’s not the only way to have a relationship. She must have seen other people happy in long-term relationships.”

“You mentioned another voice in her head,” Booby said.

Talyn nodded. “It could be her mom’s emotions and influence guiding her.”

“Sinead has mentioned her mother several times. It appears that, even though they don’t have an empathic link, she’s a big influence on her life. Perhaps Sinead models herself on her mom. Therefore, her behavior with you makes sense. She cannot tie herself to one person because she doesn’t believe it’s the right thing to do.”

Talyn’s gut churned. Could he show her otherwise? Was it fair to try to draw Sinead closer, knowing what a mess his own head was?

The images vanished from the screen. “Incoming call from your sister.”

Talyn straightened in his seat and dropped his feet to the floor. “Accept the call.”

Laya’s face appeared in front of him, baby Nilia on her knee. “Hi, Talyn. I hope this isn’t a bad time.”

“No, just doing some research. Is everything good with you?”

“We’re fine.” Laya kissed the baby’s head. “I wasn’t sure whether to tell you this, but mom’s taken a turn for the worse.”

Talyn’s heart clenched. “How bad is she?”

Laya looked away for a second. “She’s having a rough time. The doctors are keeping her sedated, but that’s not enough to calm her. Mom is asking for you. She keeps begging to see you.”

Talyn’s chest felt tight at the thought of being near his mom. He couldn’t see her in person. It would be too intense. Even with his barriers ramped to maximum, she’d slip through. It would be like standing in front of a battering ram, his arms open wide to accept the beating. He wouldn’t be able to protect himself.

“I’m sure the doctors are doing everything they can to help her.”

“Talyn, I know it’s a lot to ask, but I think she’ll be better if you make contact. She wants to see you. Is there any chance you can go? Just for a short visit.”

Talyn could see how pale Laya was and the tiredness beneath her eyes. Her chin wobbled as she tucked it on top of her baby’s head.

He couldn’t let her down. If she thought a visit would help, then he’d do it. He did feel stronger after a decent amount of sleep and after being around Sinead. Maybe he could handle this. Something short and controlled.

The facility their mom was in also had techniques to keep patients calm and minimize harm to visitors. Combine that with his own barriers, and he could make it.

“Of course, I’ll go see her.”

“I won’t expect you to go alone,” Laya said. “I’ll come with you. That way, we can each absorb some of her emotions, so it won’t be so intense for you.”

Talyn let out a relieved sigh. It would be far easier with Laya there. They were both strong empaths. Between them, they could handle their mom. “That sounds good.”

“I don’t like to push, but the sooner the better.” Laya smiled. “And it won’t be for long. I don’t want to distract you from finding true love.”

“I could use a distraction. We’ll go tomorrow. I can get there easily from here.” It was a four-hour journey. A trip through the wormhole and down to Glasie where his mom was based. It would be no problem. In fact, he welcomed the prospect of a trip. Talyn didn’t like Booby sitting around with nothing to do. It meant she interfered more with his life. Her research into Sinead was a perfect example of that.

“Thanks, Talyn.” Laya wiped a tear that had crept out of her eye. “It will mean so much to all of us. Mom’s having a hard time.”

“I know. I’ve been hearing a lot of her. I should have realized she was going downhill. I’ll come. I’ll see you there tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock.”

“I can’t wait. It feels like ages since I’ve seen you. Afterwards, we can go for dinner and have a proper catch up.”

Talyn smiled. “I’d love that. I’ve got a few things to talk to you about, as well.” Maybe Laya could give him advice about Sinead. He was certainly doing a lousy job of figuring things out on his own.

Laya and Nilia waved goodbye, and the screen went blank.

Talyn sank back in his seat. He needed another decent night of sleep before he faced his mom tomorrow, but without Sinead by his side, he wouldn’t get that.