Chapter 136: Memory and Touch

=== Summary ===
Shepard is shocked when Balak allows Shepard to touch him when he hands her a stylus. In batarian culture, this signifies considerable respect. Balak also is carefully trying to ensure Shepard’s comfort through her persistent migraines as her condition worsens.
When Garrus calls Shepard, having resolved to finally tell her he is hunting the Marquis, he is horrified by her physical state. He is wracked by guilt for leaving her alone for so long, and thus missing her deterioration. Garris assures her that he will be home in a couple of weeks, but asks if she needs him to come home now. She declines, and assures him that she is okay. Though Garrus can clearly see that she is not alright, he is stuck with the mission and unable to return to her.
After disconnecting, Shepard finds herself too exhausted to move. She feels a heavy hand on her and hears the Marquis speak to her- but despite her every effort to move, she cannot. She lets out an anguished cry as she hears him leave, fearing Vi to be in danger, but Verity assures her that no one is home but the two of them and Vi. Verity puts Shepard to bed and assures her that she will stay downstairs to keep an eye on the two of them.
Garrus wakes, seeing a mischievous and well Shepard leaning over him. As he relaxes into her loving embraces, he suddenly remembers that he is on the Normandy- and Shepard is on the Citadel. Despite the impossibility, and the vision being gone when he opens his eyes, he can feel her still. After a shower, he returns to bed- feeling desperately lonely.
=== Title Meaning ===
=== Easter Eggs ===
==== Discord Highlights ====
Sharing cookies, how much it would cost to do a full-cast audiobook of EOTA with the original VAs, and great mom advice.