Perhaps it was the gravity of the situation that stripped away his usual indifference and guilt; he gazed deeply into my eyes, taking a moment before he spoke.

"You've changed, haven't you? The innocent, kind-hearted version of you is gone." Asher admitted his detachment without hesitation.

"I see your shadow in Julia; she just graduated, young and vibrant, much like you once were."

"But I have never done anything to betray you; you should understand that."

"Have you not changed?" I stared at him intently. "The man who was once always sincere and caring towards me now stands here blaming me for my faults."

Asher fell silent for a moment,...