Chapter 8

A month had passed since I last saw Xavier. I had signed up for a senior travel group and packed my suitcase, eager to explore the beauty of the country.

However, as soon as I opened the door of my apartment, there stood Xavier.

He had lost quite a bit of weight. His sunken cheeks made him look almost skeletal. His normally upright posture drooped, and dark circles shadowed his bloodshot eyes.

When he saw me, his expression shifted sharply.

"Harper!" he called out. "Are you… going somewhere?"

"Yes, I'm going on a trip," I replied flatly. "At my age, I've never even seen the wonders of Cranur, so I thought I'd take this chance to enjoy myself."

A complex look flashed in Xavier's eyes. He stared at me, but I treated him like he weren't there, dragging my suitcase and pushing past him.

Suddenly, he grabbed my arm. "Can you go next time?"

I paused as he struggled to speak, each word seeming to weigh him down.

"Harper, I really need you right now."

…

It was then that I learned a