The front door swung open with the kind of urgency that only came with bad news. Dr. Martin, a man whose existence seemed to balance perpetually between life's precipices, stepped through the threshold, his medical bag clutched with reverence. Behind him, Old Mr. Knight entered, his posture a testament to years of carrying the weight of wisdom and silent judgments.

Xavier's jaw clenched, teeth grinding, in anticipation of the familiar reprimand. The look on his father's face was enough to confirm it; another lecture brewed just beneath the surface. There was no escaping the paternal storm.

"Xavier," Old Mr. Knight began, the disappointment heavy in his voice. "We need to...