Nicolas' mansion

Nicolas walked into his mansion with heavy steps. His head felt full, like a boulder was pressing down on his mind. Every corner of the house now only reminded him of something that would soon be gone. In the living room, Mrs. Maria was sitting while knitting, her face immediately turning worried at the sight of her son's expression.  

"Nico, what's wrong? You look like a mess," she asked, placing her knitting tools on the table.  

Nico didn't answer right away. He took off his tie rudely, threw it on the sofa, and sat down with a slumped body. His eyes stared blankly at the floor before he...