Xavier's shadow stretched long across the barren living room, his footsteps heavy, a dull echo in the silence. 7:00 P.M. The clock mocked him with its steady tick, a reminder of the void expanding within the walls that once thrummed with life. He stopped pacing, fists clenching and unclenching as he fought the rising tide of unease.

"Come on," he muttered, glaring at his phone.

It vibrated. His heart leaped. But the text shredded any flicker of hope.

"Hi, we won't be coming back tonight; Bella needs to spend time with her grandfather."

"Fuck." Xavier scoffed, venomously lacing his words. "What about me? Don't I fucking deserve to spend time...