Chapter 3 - Garroth's POV

                                    

                                          
The later times of the night approached, and I logged onto my computer, sending a call to Aphmau through video chat. The dilemma I was facing baffled me and twisted my mind every direction, and I needed the advice from someone I knew and trusted to help me find my answer.
                          
The call was answered and the familiar sight of Aphmau illuminated my computer screen, "Hey, Aph?"
                          
"Huh? Garroth? I wouldn't expect you up this late..." she said, "What's up?"
                          
I sighed, "I need your input on something... It's serious."
                          
"W-What did you have in mind?" She stuttered, seemingly anxious for what I was about to tell her.
                          
I started, "My life is screwed up, and—well—I..."
                          
"Yes, Garroth?"
                          
Another sigh left my lips, "You're the best person for advice, so tell me; how would you react if I said I was running away from my home?"
                          
She made a sound that sounded like a strangled cough, raising my suspicions on her reaction. I shrugged the thought away, listening intently to her response, "Garroth... is this a joke? Do you know what you're thinking of doing?"
                          
"If you knew exactly the suffering I have to deal with in my personal life," I scratched my arm nervously, "I have a feeling it would change your mind."
                          
"What about gaming? And your family? I mean, if you think it's right, I can't hold you back but—"
                          
I interrupted her in a whisper, "Aph, my father is both an alcoholic and abusive. I want to take my brother and leave this place. What's your opinion?"
                          
"When you put it that way... it doesn't sound half crazy. I would have years ago if my mother was like that," she sighed quietly, "It's your choice... I'm just... worried."
                          
"I want an influence from you. I trust you, Aph. I've known you for many months now and know that you'll do whatever to help others. But please, help me with this..."
                          
"Fine..." she breathed, "I should learn to respect your feelings. Just promise me you won't do anything horrible."
                          
"I won't," I answered her promise, "But the thing I need your help with is where exactly my brother and I should go. I'm not saying where you live, but you're a smart person. What and where do you think we should go and do?"
                          
"If I were you," she replied, "I would definitely not go to the city. Everything is expensive and you couldn't find a living. I would find some hotel or something and stay temporary in either Brightport or Phoenix Drop. Near where I go to school." I noticed a faint blush spread across her nose and cheeks and I chuckled to myself.
                          
"So I'm guessing you're in Phoenix Drop. What a coincidence," I muttered, "I live in O'Khasis, so it shouldn't be far for us."
                          
"I-I'M NOT SAYING YOU HAVE TO BUT IF YOU WANT A-AND YOU'RE FINE WITH IT—"
                          
I held a finger to my lips in an attempt to keep her quiet, "Shh... My father's asleep. But... Phoenix Drop wouldn't be the kind of place my father would expect me to go... I-I guess I will go there."
                          
"Heh... Sorry," she hushed herself, "Well, let me know if you decide to crash around here! We can meet up and I can show you some amazing restaurants!" She gave her signature giggle, "It will be so much fun!"
                          
I grinned, "I'll take your word for it. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to scavenge for money tomorrow while my father is at work and sneak out tomorrow... Thank you, Aph, for your help. Keep in touch with the chat, I'll definitely send you a message."
                          
"No problem!" Near mid sentence, a knocking came from her side of the call, and a girl with long brown hair barged in.
                          
"APHMAU! YOU'RE SCREAMING! SHUT IT!"
                          
Aphmau squealed in panic and rushingly said, "Gotta go, Garroth. Talk to you later?"
                          
"Yeah, see you soon," and the call ended.