97

~Xander~

I finished breakfast with Alex perched on my shoulder, and we headed to meet Ace and his family.

“Alex, today I am going to show you our old Ace,” I said, a touch of nostalgia in my voice.

Alex looked at Aoife, curious and intrigued and she smiled and nodded in confirmation. As we reached Ace, we found him sitting quietly in the corner, his age apparent in his demeanor. However, as he caught Aoife’s scent, he came walking towards her.

Aoife kneeled and cupped Ace’s face, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at him. Ace whined and snuggled his head onto her lap, a clear display of affection and longing.

“He missed you,” said the groundskeeper.

“I am so sorry. But honestly, I missed you, too.” Her voice filled with genuine remorse as she continued to pat Ace’s head, while Alex sat beside her, observing the heartfelt moment.

“Ace, this is Alex,” I introduced, extending Alex’s hand towards Ace.

Aoife couldn’t bring herself to speak, overwhelmed with emotions. I sat down