"Why aren't you eating? You didn't eat properly last night," Layla complained, noticing Lucius's untouched plate.
Alekis and the others glanced toward him, concern evident on their faces.
"Layla," Lucius lifted his head, meeting her eyes. "If I said I need to disappear for a while… what would you say?"
"Lucius, you can't leave Layla alone. She's pregnant," Fiona interjected firmly.
"I'll give you time. I don't mind," Layla said softly, her hand now resting on the edge of the plate. "You need space, so take it. But… how can I be sure you'll take care of yourself while you're gone?"
"Don't worry about that. I… I'm not myself right now," Lucius murmured.
"Lucius," Alekis finally spoke, "I know what you've been through. But saying all this isn't helping. We're here for you. Just stay with us. That way, we'll worry less about you."
Lucius fell silent, his eyes clouded with a storm of conflicting emotions, ones only Layla seemed able to read.
