Alex stumbled to the door.
Unlocked it. Pushed inside.
Then looked up.
Froze.
Lilian.
On the couch.
Asleep.
A thin blanket draped over her. Wearing nothing under. Hair slightly messed.
But her face—
Brow furrowed. Even in sleep.
And her eyes.
Tear stains.
Dried tracks down her cheeks.
Alex's chest tightened.
Shit.
He pulled out his phone. The screen lit up.
Notifications. Dozens of them.
All from Lilian.
He scrolled.
[Auntie loves you too! But I miss you now, can you get home earlier tonight?]
[Is there something else that's important? Don't worry! Auntie can wait.]
[I cooked your favorite..oysters, do you want to come back before they get cold?]
[It has been.. three am]
[Did something happen?]
[Alex..I miss you]
[Please..be back]
Alex stared at the screen.
His throat tight.
Guilt crashed over him.
Heavy.
Suffocating.
She was worried.
Crying.
Waiting.
And where was he?
With Rose.
For four hours.
Not even thinking about her.
