Chapter 56
Theo and Daphne
Theo slowly fluttered his eyes open and found himself lying on the lush grass of his parents' Italian home. The sun peeked out from behind the lemon trees, and fluffy white clouds dotted the baby blue sky overhead, like a serene painting come to life.
He turned his head and saw Daphne sitting cross-legged beside him, her hair loose and glowing in the golden light streaming through the branches. She cradled a tiny newborn in her arms, her expression tender and radiant, the kind of beauty that made Theo's breath catch.
Beside her, a small toddler with a wild mess of curls was trying to climb into Theo's lap, their laughter bubbling over like a soft melody.
"Be careful," Daphne said gently to the toddler, her voice like music, soothing and full of love.
Theo reached out instinctively, steadying the child as they clambered onto his legs. The warmth of their small hands against his skin sent a flood of emotion through him. He glanced at Daphne, meeting her soft, knowing smile, and felt something inside him settleâlike he'd found a part of himself he hadn't realized was missing.
The scene felt impossibly perfect, and for a fleeting moment, Theo let himself believe it was real. But as the sunlight grew brighter and the laughter faded, the dream began to dissolve, pulling him away from the idyllic world he'd been immersed in.
When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the cool solitude of his room, the faint light of dawn creeping through the blinds. The ache in his chest was almost unbearable, yet he couldn't help but smile as he thought of Daphne. Even in the quiet emptiness, the dream left him with a sense of warmth and a longing that refused to fade.
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Lily
Lily walked into the pharmacy, her steps light. The bright, sterile lights reflected off the glossy counters as she approached the pickup window. The pharmacist, a kind-looking woman with graying hair and glasses perched on her nose, greeted her with a warm smile.
"Lily Silvano, right? Let me grab your prescription," the woman said, turning to the shelves behind her. After a brief moment, she returned with a small bag but paused, her expression turning apologetic. "You're due for a refill soon, sweetheart. I recommend calling your doctor before you run out."
"Oh," Lily replied with a small frown. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll handle it."
The exchange was quick, but the subtle reminder stirred a quiet unease in Lily. She tucked the bag into her purse and made her way toward the automatic doors. The crisp night air greeted her as she stepped outside, and her eyes immediately landed on Jack leaning casually against his car. His broad shoulders were wrapped in a thin sweater, and his hands were stuffed into his jeans' pockets. He looked up and smiled, his easy confidence making her heart skip.
"Everything good?" he asked as she approached.
"Yeah, just need to refill soon," Lily replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Jack tilted his head slightly, his eyes softening as he took a step closer. The subtle chill in the air made Lily hug her arms across her chest, but before she could say anything else, Jack pulled his hands from his pockets and gently tugged her closer.
"You're cold," he murmured, his voice quiet but warm.
Before she could protest, he shrugged off his thin sweater and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric smelled like himâa mix of crisp soap and mint.
"I'm fine," Lily said softly, her voice tinged with shyness, but Jack simply grinned.
"Just humor me, okay?" he teased, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. His fingers lingered against her cheek for a moment, his touch warm against the coolness of her skin.
The world seemed to quiet around them as Jack leaned in, his gaze flickering from her eyes to her lips. Lily felt her breath catch. Then, with a sweet enderness, Jack kissed her.
His lips were soft, his movements unhurried, as if he wanted to savor every second. Lily's hands instinctively moved up, gripping the edges of the sweater he'd given her as she leaned into him.
When he pulled back, his forehead resting lightly against hers, Lily's cheeks were flushed, and her heart was racing.
"Feel better?," Jack said with a small, satisfied smile.
Lily couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at him as she playfully shoved his chest. But the warmth stayed, spreading through her like sunlight breaking through a cloudy day.
"Yes," she said, bitting her bottom lip as Jake tugged her closer.
"Good," he kissed the side of her head. "Let's head back."
Before Lily could answer, a group of guys walked up from the sidewalk, their voices loud with jokes and laughter. Jack straightened and looked over.
"You know them?" Lily asked, noticing the way he turned.
"Yeah," Jake nodded before calling out to the guys. "Hey, what's up?"
The group stopped and looked toward Jake and Lily. They made their way over to Jake's car and exchanging greetings and playful jabs. They were loud and lively and lily was pretty sure a few of them were high. She hung back, staying close to Jake with a small smile on he lips. After a few seconds, Jack gestured toward her, a proud smile lighting up his face.
"This is Lily, my girlfriend," he introduced.
Lily's heart did a little somersault at the word girlfriend. Her cheeks burned, and she could feel the heat creeping all the way to her ears. The group gave her friendly nods and a couple of teasing remarks aimed at Jack, but Lily barely heard them. Her mind was stuck on the way Jack had said it, so casually yet with a certainty that made her chest feel warm.
"Nice to meet you," she managed to say, offering a small wave.
Jack's friends didn't linger long, heading off with plans to catch up later. As they walked away, Jack turned to Lily, his eyes full of mischief. "You okay? You look like a tomato."
She swatted his arm, trying to hide her grin. "Shut up."
He laughed, slipping an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, let's get out of here."
As they walked to his car, Lily couldn't help the small, happy smile that stayed on her lips. Being introduced as his girlfriend wasn't something she had expected, but surprised her by now natural it felt.
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Theo and Daphne
Theo sat on the plush couch in his living room, shirtless, wearing only a pair of gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips. His iPad rested on his lap, the shopping app open as he halfheartedly scrolled through options for last-minute gifts. He tried to focus on the task at hand, but his gaze kept drifting away from the screen to the woman across the room.
Daphne was standing by the Christmas tree, her brow furrowed in concentration as she adjusted a strand of twinkling lights. She was wearing his T-shirt, the oversized fabric skimming her thighs. Her bare legs peeked out as she shifted her weight, reaching up to adjust an ornament that dangled precariously on a high branch. She hummed softly to herself, the melody blending with the crackle of the fire and the faint sound of holiday music playing in the background.
Theo watched as she reached up to hang a delicate glass ornament, her fingers careful and precise. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the golden light from the tree. She moved with an easy grace that made his chest ache.
The dream he'd had lingered stubbornly in his mind, vivid and unshakable. He could still feel the weight of the toddler climbing into his lap, the warmth of Daphne's smile as she cradled their newborn. The scene had felt so real, so achingly perfect, that waking up alone had felt like a cruel joke.
Now, as he watched Daphne stretch to reach a higher branch, a strand of tinsel slipping from her fingers, he couldn't help but imagine her in that dream againâlaughing, radiant, with their future wrapped up in her arms. The thought filled him with equal parts longing and impatience.
"You're staring," Daphne said without turning around, her voice teasing but soft. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling as if she'd caught him in the act.
Theo blinked and looked back at his iPad, pretending to scroll. "Just making sure you don't break anything," he said casually, though his voice lacked its usual sharpness.
Daphne smirked and went back to decorating, oblivious to the storm of emotions stirring within him. Theo sighed, sinking deeper into the couch, the dream's echoes and Daphne's presence intertwining in his mind, impossible to ignore
After a few minutes, Daphne finished adjusting the last ornament and turned, catching Theo's gaze as he lounged on the couch, shirtless and impossibly comfortable. His smirk widened when she walked toward him, her bare feet padding softly on the hardwood floor.
Without a word, she climbed onto the couch, settling herself between his legs. Her back pressed against his bare chest as she tugged his iPad from his hands.
"What's so important that you couldn't help me with the tree?" she teased, glancing at the screen.
Theo wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. His palms splayed lazily over her thighs, and the warmth of her skin against his sent a calming wave through him.
"Last-minute gifts," he replied, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder.
Daphne tilted her head, her hair brushing against his face as she gave him a playful look. "Who's all this for? Or are you just pretending to shop while secretly daydreaming?"
A soft chuckle rumbled through his chest, the sound vibrating against her back. "It's for family, mostly. My parents, Lily, Evie... maybe you."
She looked up at him, arching a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Maybe me? What, am I not on the official shopping list?"
Theo couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he leaned in to nuzzle her neck. Her scentâsomething warm and floralâwrapped around him, making it even harder to think of anything but her. "I don't remember you sitting on my lap and reading me your wishlist."
"I'll only do that for Santa," she teased, her tone light and full of mischief.
"Santa has so many people to visit," Theo murmured, his lips brushing against her neck in a tender kiss. "But I only have you to please and spoil."
Daphne laughed, the sound bright and soft, as she turned in his arms to lay against his chest. Her fingers toyed with the edge of his sweatpants absently, her gaze meeting his with a mix of affection and amusement.
"What do you want for Christmas, Princess?" Theo asked, his voice low and intimate as he reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Her expression softened, and she looked into his eyes with a sincerity that made his chest tighten. "I have everything," she said simply. "I have you."
His lips twitched into a grin, and he couldn't help teasing her. "I can come with a new car," he suggested, his tone light. "Or a vacation to the South of France."
"No!" Daphne sat up abruptly, but Theo was quicker, pulling her back against him with a firm but gentle grip.
"Are you upset about what I said in Aspen?" he asked, his voice light but his eyes sharp, watching her intently.
Daphne shook her head, her fingers brushing against his hand to emphasize her sincerity. "I'm not," she said, her voice steady.
"Then what is it?" he pressed, his concern barely veiled behind the question.
"It's nothing," she replied with a small shake of her head. Her voice faltered slightly as she added, "I just... can't think of anything I want for Christmas."
Theo smiled at that, the kind of smile that reached his eyes and made her feel like the center of his world. "Fine. Then my options are limitless."
"Don't go crazy," Daphne warned, narrowing her eyes at him. "I don't wantâ"
Theo cut her off by grabbing her wrist and pulling her fully into his chest, his arms locking her in place. His voice dropped, his tone firm but affectionate. "Giving gifts is my love language. And I only love you... let me love you my way."
Daphne looked up at him, her lips parting as if to argue, but the intensity in his gaze silenced her. She nodded instead, her heart swelling as she nestled back into his embrace, knowing there was no use fighting him.
Picking up the iPad, Daphne went back to scrolling, her attention fixed on the items in Theo's shopping cart. She smiled softly as she added things she knew his sister Lily or his mother would appreciate, her thoughtful gestures effortlessly weaving into the moment. Theo watched her, unbothered by the rising total at the bottom of the screen, his focus entirely on her.
His fingers absently traced the warm skin of her thigh, a soothing rhythm that matched the contentment he felt with her in his arms. He buried his nose in her hair, the familiar scent grounding him, as though the closeness between them still wasn't enough.
For a while, he tried to shake off the lingering memories of the dream, willing himself not to let it take root in his thoughts. Yet, despite his effort, the words escaped his lips as if they had a will of their own.
"We didn't use protection the other night," he said quietly, his voice barely above a murmur.
Daphne paused, her scrolling finger hovering over the screen before she set the iPad down on the couch beside them. She turned her head slightly, her expression calm, though a touch of hesitation flickered in her eyes.
"I know," she replied softly, her voice steady but carrying the weight of unspoken thoughts. "I took a Plan B pill."
Theo blinked, his mind catching on her words. Relief should have been the natural responseâlogic dictated that this was the responsible outcome. Yet, to his surprise, an unexpected pang of disappointment settled in his chest.
He studied her, watching the way she picked up the iPad again and resumed her scrolling, as though the conversation hadn't left a ripple in her composure.
But for Theo, it had. The dream, the imagined joy of their little family, and the vision of her holding a child that was part of both of themâthey had left an impression he couldn't quite ignore.
His fingers stilled against her thigh as the realization sank deeper. He wasn't ready to explain or even fully understand why the news left him feeling slightly empty, but the emotion was undeniable. Shaking it off, Theo leaned in closer, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple as she scrolled.
"Thank you for handling it," he said finally, his voice even, betraying none of his inner conflict.
Daphne smiled, her focus still on the screen, and Theo let the silence stretch between them, his thoughts swirling as he held her just a little tighter.
"What do you want for Christmas?" Daphne asked after a while.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Theo's lips, "I don't know yet."
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Lily
Lily's car slowed to a stop, its headlights cutting through the heavy downpour as rain pelted against the windshield. She could barely see the down the road, but she knew she needed to get to Alexa's house. The storm had drenched the streets, leaving puddles that rippled with each passing car. The wipers had swiped furiously, but it felt like they were barely keeping up with the rain.
She had parked at the edge of the street, a little farther than usual, not wanting to be spotted too close to Alexa's house. The last thing either of them needed was Alexa's mom catching them in this mess.
"Alright, let's get you inside," Lily had muttered, glancing over at Alexa in the passenger seat.
Alexa, flushed from the alcohol, struggled to keep her balance as she fumbled with the door handle. Her voice slurred, barely above a whisper. "I can't go inside, Lily. My mom will... she'll know." She laughed in a way that had been more nervous than amused, blinking against the rain streaming down her face as she climbed out of the car.
"Okay, fine," Lily groaned. "We'll do this your way."
She opened her own door, stepping out into the torrential rain, her hair quickly plastered to her face. She was soaked almost instantly. The rain was cold, but her concern for Alexa burned through the discomfort.
"Come on," Lily said gently, stepping around the car and offering her hand to Alexa, who still struggled to stay upright.
Alexa took Lily's hand, her grip weak but steady enough to keep herself from stumbling. Together, they made their way down the street, ducking low to avoid being seen. The rain came down in sheets, soaking them both, but Lily didn't care. Her focus was entirely on getting Alexa inside safely.
When they reached the side of the house, Alexa hesitated, glancing nervously up at her bedroom window. It was slightly ajar, just enough for her to squeeze through.
"Okay, give me a boost," Alexa said, pushing her hair out of her face.
With a deep breath, Alexa grabbed the window ledge, her movements unsteady from the alcohol. She hoisted herself up, but her legs wobbled, and she faltered, nearly losing her balance. Lily quickly stepped in, hands on Alexa's waist to steady her.
"Alexa, you have to move," Lily murmured, holding onto her friend tightly. "I can't lift you over my head."
"I'm trying!" Alexa hissed, her feet kicking against the house.
Just as Lily was about to suggest they get the trash bins to provide some extra height, she heard a noise behind herâa door creaking open. She whipped around just in time to see a figure emerging from the darkness, silhouetted by the dim porch light.
"What the hell?" Gabriel frowned.
He froze, squinting at the sight of the two drenched figures tangled under Alexa's half-open window. For a moment, there was a pause as Gabriel processed the absurdity of the scene before his brain fully kicked in. Lily, still holding onto Alexa's waist, had a look of pure determination on her face, while Alexa's legs flailed helplessly in the air.
Lily, caught completely off guard, spun around and nearly slipped in the puddle at her feet.
"Gabriel?! What are you doing here?!" she stammered, trying and failing to look casual.
"I live here, angel," Gabriel said, grinning. "What are you doing? Helping Alexa break into her own house?"
Alexa let out an exasperated sigh, still half-hanging out the window. "I'm not breaking in. I'm just trying to get in, thank you very much!" Her slurred words were less than convincing as she kicked her legs again, still stuck halfway in the window.
"Are you twoâ" Gabriel started, raising an eyebrow. He took a step closer, still clearly entertained by the whole situation. "Are you drunk?"
Lily shook her head, "I don't drink and drive."
"Good girl," Gabriel grinned.
"Don't tell mom," Alexa looked over her shoulder. "Just push me into my room, Gabriel."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow at Alexa's request. He took a moment to glance between her and Lily, clearly entertained by the chaos unfolding before him.
"Push you into your room?" he repeated, clearly enjoying the absurdity of the situation. "How about you come inside like a normal person, you idiot?"
Lily blinked, caught off guard by his casual tone. "What do you mean?" she asked, still trying to figure out if she had somehow missed something.
Gabriel stepped closer, his posture easy and relaxed despite the storm still pouring down around them.
"I mean," he said with a mock-serious look, My mom's not here. She's covering for a co-worker at the hospital."
Lily's eyes widened. "Wait... your mom's not home?" she asked, suddenly realizing just how ridiculous they all must look. The rain was still coming down in torrents, and Alexa was half out of the window, her legs kicking helplessly.
Gabriel chuckled, taking another step closer to the window. "Yeah. So, how about you two come inside and not risk breaking your necks in the rain? You're already drenched enough as it is." He motioned toward the door with a playful, exaggerated wave. "Just come in the front door like a normal person."
Alexa, still struggling to get fully inside, let out another frustrated sigh. "I don't want my mom to know," she muttered, her voice barely audible as she looked over her shoulder.
Gabriel raised both hands in mock surrender. "I've got better things to do than snitch on you." He shook his head, trying not to laugh. "Just don't make me stand out here in the rain. Come inside, angel. And bring your hot mess of a friend inside too."
Lily nodded as Alexa managed to hoist herself inside, landing in a small heap on the floor. She quickly scrambled to her feet, wiping her wet hair from her face, and turned to Gabriel with a smirk.
"See? Told you I could do it," she said, her slurred voice a little more stable now that she was inside.
Gabriel rolled his eyes but was clearly amused. He turned to Lily, his expression softening. "Come on, you too. No point in standing out here. Let's get you out of the rain."
Lily shook her head, her embarrassment turning into reluctant laughter. She followed Gabriel toward the front door, glad to be out of the downpour.
Gabriel held the door open for her, still grinning. "Next time, maybe just call me, yeah?"
"I don't have your number," Lily said, slipping off her wet shoes.
"That's a problem," Gabriel muttered, leading the way down the hallway, his steps light. As they reached the stairs, he stopped at the linen closet, pulling a towel off the shelf and tossing it to Lily.
"Here," he said, "Don't catch a cold."
Lily caught it easily, blinking at him as she wrapped it around her shoulders, grateful for the warmth.
"Thanks," she muttered, still a little embarrassed. Her clothes were sticking to her skin, and the last thing she wanted was to feel any more exposed in front of him.
Gabriel turned back, his grin widening as he noticed her awkwardness.
"Want my shirt?" he asked.
"In your dreams," Lily rolled her eyes, walking past him to get to Alexa's room.
Gabriel followed Lily down the hallway, his hands tucked casually in his pockets, his grin never fading.
"You know," he said, eyeing her from the corner of his eye, "If you had my number, we wouldn't be standing here getting drenched."
Lily shot him a quick, unamused glance.
"I don't need your number," she replied, her voice firm. "We were doing just fine."
"Hm, yeah, of course," Gabriel nodded. Lily ignored him as they stepped into Alexa's room.
Alexa's shoes now abandoned by the door, and her clothes were still damp from the rain.
Lily stopped for a moment as she surveyed the sceneâAlexa sprawled across the bed, limbs tangled in the blankets, her face flushed with the remnants of alcohol. The whole bed seemed to be overtaken by her, leaving no room for anything else.
"Great," Lily muttered, shaking her head.
Gabriel stood by the doorway, "She's a mess."
Lily rolled her eyes, "Yeah, and now we get to deal with it," she said, moving toward the bed. She leaned over, gently shaking Alexa's shoulder. "Come on, Alexa, wake up. Let's get you out of these wet clothes."
Alexa mumbled something incoherent, but didn't stir beyond that, her body limp against the pillows.
Lily glanced up at Gabriel, her patience wearing thin. "I need to change her into dry clothes. You need to step outside."
Gabrie lingered just a moment longer before he stepped out of the room, leaving Lily to tend to her friend. She shook her head before turning back to Alexa.
Lily carefully began peeling the damp clothes off her friend, her movements gentle but efficient. She quickly grabbed a fresh set of clothes from the dresser and began changing Alexa into them, doing her best to keep the girl comfortable.
"Honestly, I don't know how you do this every time," Lily muttered to herself as she worked, making sure Alexa was tucked back into the blankets. "Next time, you're sticking to water."
Once Alexa was changed and settled, Lily paused to look down at her friend, satisfied with her work. She brushed a damp lock of hair away from Alexa's forehead and stepped back, breathing a little easier now that the task was complete.
After a moment, Gabriel knocked softly at the door, his hand resting on the frame as he peered inside. "How's she doing?" he asked, his voice gentler now, the playful tone replaced by a hint of concern.
Lily looked over at Alexa, her expression tired but relieved. "She's out like a light," she said, glancing at Alexa one last time to make sure she was comfortable. "Now we just wait for her to sleep it off."
Gabriel nodded, pushing the door open slightly wider as he stepped into the room, his movements smooth and calm. "I'll bring her the trash can. She'll be throwing up all night soon," he added, his eyes shifting over to Alexa with a knowing look.
Lily grimaced, looking at Alexa on the bed. "Oh god," she muttered, her frown deepening. The thought of Alexa being so sick made her feel a little queasy herself.
Gabriel gave a small sigh, glancing at Lily, who was still standing by the bed. There was a pause before he spoke again, his tone different this timeâless teasing, more serious.
"You can stay in my room," Gabriel said quietly, his eyes met hers. "Alexa's taking up the whole bed, and I'm not letting you go back to your dorm in this storm. It's too dangerous."
Lily shook her head almost instinctively. "No, I'm fine," she said quickly, though she knew her response sounded more defensive than she intended.
Gabriel held her gaze for a moment before his expression softened, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with something more earnest.
"Angel, you can't go back out there," he said, his voice low but firm.
"I'll stay here," Lily pointed to Alexa's bed just as Alexa rolled over in her sleep, taking up even more of the bed.
Gabriel arched his brow as Lily looked back at him.
"I know Alexa has a sleeping bag."
"You're not sleeping on the floor," Gabfriel rolled his eyes. "Just stay in my room for tonight. You're safe here."
"Are you insane?" Lily clicked her tongue. "I have a boyfriend, and not to mention, I don't like you."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow at her, clearly unfazed. "Congratulations," he said, a teasing smirk on his face. "I don't get what your boyfriend has anything to do with this."
Lily's face flushed slightly. "I'm not sleeping with you in your roomâ"
"I'll be in another room!" Gabriel interjected quickly, rolling his eyes again. "Or on the couch, if that makes you feel better."
Lily hesitated, glancing toward the window as the storm raged outside. Thunder rumbled, vibrating through the walls, followed by a flash of lightning that lit up the entire room. The intensity of the storm made her chest tighten. She knew she couldn't go back out thereânot in this weather. But the idea of staying in Gabriel's room, even with the promise of him staying elsewhere, made her uneasy. She crossed her arms, trying to hide her discomfort, and looked at him.
Gabriel watched her, his expression softening further as if he could sense the hesitation. He said nothing, just waited patiently, giving her space to make her decision.
Another loud crack of thunder sounded, shaking the house and making Lily flinch. The storm was getting worse by the minute.
"Okay," Lily finally muttered, the word slipping out reluctantly. "Fine. I'll stay... but only because I'm not driving back to my dorm in this."
Gabriel smiled, his relief barely concealed. "Good choice," he said softly, stepping aside and gesturing down the hall. "Come on."
Lily stood still for a moment, unsure of whether to follow Gabriel. The storm outside howled, its fury pressing against the walls of the house, and the idea of being stuck in the rain was enough to push her forward.
"I need a change of clothes," she muttered, stepping over Alexa's damp clothes on the floor and picking them up to toss them into the laundry basket. She shot Gabriel a quick, pointed look. "I'm not wearing your shirt."
Gabriel laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, no shirts for you," he said, leading her down the hallway. "Grab something from Alexa." He opened the door to his room with a casual grace, stepping aside to let her go first.
Lily hesitated as she stepped inside. The room was surprisingly neat, the bed made with crisp sheets and not a stray item in sight. She had expected something more chaotic, a typical college boy's room with clothes everywhere or posters that were hastily tacked up. Instead, she was met with clean lines, organized shelves, and a few scattered items that seemed to tell a more personal story.
Band posters decorated the walls, some faded with age, others more recent. There were also framed photographs on the wallsâfamily pictures that made the space feel warmer than she had expected. One photo caught her eye: a picture of a man in a police uniform, smiling at the camera, standing beside a younger Gabriel.
Lily couldn't help herself. "Who's this?" she asked, her finger pointing to the framed photo.
Gabriel followed her gaze and paused for a moment before answering. His expression shifted, becoming a little more guarded, though he still spoke with a calmness that made it seem as though he'd answered this question many times before.
"That's my dad," he said quietly, his voice softening as his eyes lingered on the photo. "He died when we were younger."
Lily felt a shift in the air, a quiet weight settling over them. She glanced back at Gabriel, who was now looking down, his posture more subdued than usual.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice gentle. She hesitated, unsure if she should say more, but the sincerity in Gabriel's expression encouraged her to continue. "It must've been really hard."
Gabriel gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, his fingers brushing the edge of the frame. "Yeah, it was. He was a cop, so he was always out there, doing the hard work... but I don't think anyone expected it to happen the way it did. It's... weird, you know? I still don't really get it."
Lily stood there, taking in his words. She couldn't imagine losing a parent so young, especially under circumstances like that. She looked around the room again, at the posters and photos, as if seeing them for the first timeâlike they were a map of Gabriel's heart.
"Do you remember much about him?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
"Some things," Gabriel said, his gaze turning inward. "I remember the sound of his boots on the floor when he'd come home late at night. He'd always bring me something small, like a toy or a candy bar. Stupid little things. But, I don't know... it's hard to hold on to the memories sometimes."
Lily nodded but she didn't press further. Instead, she gave him a soft, understanding look.
Gabriel cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Anyway, that's enough of that." He forced a small smile. "You said you needed clothes, right?"
Lily nodded. "Right. I'll just grab something quick from Alexa."
What do you think of Lily's situation? And will Theo get his wish ;)