Multiple POVThe next morning, Xavier didn’t come down for breakfast.His mother set a plate for him anyway, as she always did, waiting for him to appear. But minutes ticked by, then an hour, and still no Xavier.“Jasper, can you go check on your brother?” his mother asked, her voice carrying a note of concern. “See if he’s feeling alright.”Jasper looked up from his cereal, his expression hardening. He set down his spoon with deliberate slowness. “No,” he said flatly. “I’m not going.”His mother’s face fell slightly, but she didn’t push. Instead, she turned to Tara, who had come down for breakfast and was sitting quietly at the table, her untouched plate in front of her.“Tara, sweetheart, would you mind checking on Xavier? Just to make sure he’s okay?”Tara’s stomach twisted. The thought of facing Xavier alone made her anxious, but she was already shaking her head before she could think it through. “I can’t,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, but I just
Last Updated : 2025-11-27 Read more