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“I can’t find him. Where is he?”

“Where’s who, Dad? What are you talking about?” I put my hands up when he approaches, and a glint enters his eye.

“You. You took him. You did this.” He grips my arms painfully and I let out a squeak. There’s no recognition in his eyes now. “He’s not here!”

Slamming my palm on the buzzer I shout for Sharon and try to keep calm. Even though he’s my dad, I’m not his daughter in this moment.

“My friend. You stole him.” He’s hysterical now repeating himself and my heart breaks.

“I still don’t know what you’re talking about. Dad, please!” I plead and hold onto his arms as he falls to the ground in dismay.

“Midnight,” he wails and I suck in a breath.

He’s done this before and it’s why I pushed for him to keep the cat, since the facility allows it, but he was insistent I take him. He must have a memory of giving him away, but it’s warped, and he thinks I stole him.

Footsteps pound outside the door and it’s flung open when Sharon and two male nurses enter the room. They quickly take action consoling my dad, helping him to his bedroom. Sharon gives me a pitying look and I wipe a tear that has escaped from my eye.

“I think it’s best I leave.” My voice sounds hollow to my own ears and Sharon nods. “Thanks, Sharon. For everything.”

With a last pat to my back, she walks with me to my car and closes the door behind me when I get behind the wheel. No more words are exchanged but there doesn’t need to be.

The drive home is excruciating. There’s no way in hell I can listen to music or an audiobook and pretend what happened didn’t. That means I’m left with my thoughts as I stare blankly and go through the motions of driving home.

Was the light I just passed green?

I don’t even know, but the fact my car hasn’t been smashed by someone else's probably means I’m fine.

My thoughts continue in an endless cycle of nonsense and I’m honestly not sure how I make it to my building. Besides making a stop on floor five for someone to go up to fifteen I’m left blessedly alone in the elevator. The ding of the cabin lets me know I’ve finally made it to mine.

I step off and walk like an emotionless zombie down to my door. Standing in front of it I freeze and then suddenly the dam breaks. It’s like standing in front of my apartment far away from what just happened gives me an excuse to let go. The sound I let out must sound like a dying animal, but I can’t hold it in any longer. I made it so close to safety just to lose it now.

My coat catches on the textured wall as I back up and slide down it, collapsing in a heap on the ground. My keys fall from my hands, sliding out of my reach. Tears stream down my face in a constant flow and I curl up into a ball, tucking my head into my knees. I can’t muster the energy to pick myself back up and get inside so I just sit there and let the emotions carry me away.

I cry for my dad who’s been dealt a fate he didn’t ask for. I cry for myself who’s lost both of her parents. I cry for the uncertain future that seems to hold nothing but isolation and agony.

I’m distantly aware of the creaking of a door opening and the thud as it shuts. Clothing rustles and a warm presence to my right has me peeking out from under my arm. I find Zavier crouched, watching me with a melancholy look on his face. He’s wearing a black sweater that looks so soft I want to cuddle into it and his silver chain lies around his neck. When he tilts his head, his silky red hair moves and covers his glasses adorably. He watches me watch him and slowly opens his arms.

The silent show of comfort somehow has more tears flooding out of my eyes and I dive into his arms. They wrap around me so tight I feel my own heartbeat echo between us.

“Shh, Celine. I’ve got you, pretty girl.” He holds my neck with one hand and undoes my high ponytail with the other toallow my hair to cascade down my back. The pressure relief feels wonderful, and he gently strokes my tresses. I swear I feel him press a kiss to my head but it’s so soft it could be my imagination.

His words only make me cry harder and I’m embarrassed by the way I melt into him, but it feels so good. He’s practically a stranger and yet the comfort I feel around him is undeniable. The invisible pull between us is magnetic and I can’t figure out how he’s always there when I seem to need him.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe,” he continues to murmur in a soothing tone. His voice vibrates against my chest, and I settle further into his lap, fully surrendering myself to the warmth. “Whoever hurt you, just tell me and I’ll kill them.”

“It was my dad,” I say, voice hoarse. “I told you about him. He has dementia. Today was … a bad day.”

We stay like that for God knows how long and I selfishly linger for longer than I should. When his arms randomly tighten, I feel like he needs this as much as I do. My face is tucked into his neck and his vanilla and cypress scent fills my lungs.

My hiccups finally quiet down and I know I can’t stay any longer in the safety of his arms. I have to pull on my big girl pants and bring myself back to reality.

Slowly pulling away, I’m stopped short when Zavier pulls my forehead back to his and keeps me there. My eyes widen in surprise but his are closed tightly like he’s trying to savor the moment. His thumb comes up to wipe my cheek with a gentleness that has my eyes blurring again. I blink and the moment’s over and he’s pulling me to my feet. I awkwardly avoid eye contact, slightly embarrassed by my actions and not wanting to talk about what just happened.

Zavier must sense how I feel because at my mumbled thanks he simply strokes the side of my head one more time. He picksmy stuff up and slips my key into my door for me. I back away with one last small smile of appreciation and head into my apartment but not without one last glance at him where he stands with a sad smile.

CHAPTER 13

CELINE