By the time I'm back, my growling mind has subsided, leaving only my desires for truth and understanding. But when I open the front door, the overpowering scent of garlic causes a different kind of growling.
Glancing about, I see Joey in the kitchen, stirring a pan full of pasta and shrimp, while Eric sits at the table, waving at me.
"Welcome back, Ali. How was your walk?"
I walk over and take my seat beside him. "It was fine."
"That's good," he says eagerly. "Seems like you're feeling better. Have you made a decision about contacting your Spirit Animal again?"
"Well yes, I-"
I'm about to tell him my feelings on the matter when the look on his face stops me. Eric's eyes seem their normal hazel, with no specific flecks coming to the surface. Even his smile is bright as ever. However,
