The Nearest Heart

Gerald Hartwell was Julian Hartwell's emergency contact at Aldenmoor University. While emergency contacts were generally most important when students lived on campus, the university still required valid information of all students, and in naming Gerald, Julian had provided his consent to Gerald receiving administrative updates. What the school referred to as "directory information." Dr. Marsh had explained this to Juliet, and Juliet knew it was a small subtle push to discuss the state of her world with her one blood relative.

Gerald received the notification a few days after Juliet's meeting with Dr. Marsh, and had called Juliet.

"I received a notification from Aldenmoor." Gerald was direct, not cold, just the way a man with a certain level of respect for his nephew might open a call by opening a dialog. No assumptions, no questions.

"Yes, they told me that you would," Juliet replied, "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner."

Gerald had thought the voice different on hello, the full sentences verified it.

"How are you?" Not small talk, completely sincere.

"It has been nearly two months. Quite a lot of adjustment. Accepting things and refiling them. I am doing well," Juliet replied.

"I should be apologizing to you for not checking in," Gerald replied.

"You have your own life, I always knew I could reach out," Juliet reassured.

"It sounds, though, that you had your hands full."

"Yes, but I had help. A friend, Emmy."

A pause as Gerald thought.

"Emmy… Calloway, right? You've known her a long time."

"Yes, she has been there for me for years, but until recently, I didn't know how much she was there. The role she was meant to play," Juliet paused, "Changes put that into better perspective."

"Big changes."

"Yes."

"The notification was accurate then."

"Yes. Juliet."

"Right," he said with a slow, deliberate tone.

"Yes."

"I may slip up on that, I don't want to."

"I know you don't, and I wouldn't be offended if you did."

"When you're ready, I want to see you. Maybe before the holidays."

"Definitely before the holidays."

"I'll see you soon then."

"Yes."