Long Overdue Apology

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Xavier drove for hours before Zoe stirred in the back seat. She had been whispering in her sleep, calling to her Dad, no doubt dreaming of him. It saddened him that she was hurting and he was the reason. He wanted to help but didn't know how.

She groggily opened her eyes and looked around to take in her surroundings. She was confused for a second before she recognized Xavier driving and no one else was in the car besides the two of them.

She sat straighter. Mixed feelings rose in her. She was confused about their destination. She was obviously still in pain, the tragedy of her father was still too fresh. But at that moment her biggest concern was Xavier.

"Stop the car." She said.

He knew she was awake and was waiting for her to say something but that was not what he was expecting.

"We are in the middle of nowhere." He told her as calmly as he could muster. He wanted to ask how she was feeling but he felt like she was not going to be in a talkative mood.

"I said, stop the