I barely registered the sound of hurried footsteps behind me. But when I turned, my heart sank further. A woman with streaks of silver in her hair and tear-streaked cheeks entered the observation area.
In her trembling hands, she clutched a handkerchief. Beside her stood a stoic man with broad shoulders. Though he held himself steady, the redness of his eyes spoke something else.
It was Catarina and Nicholas, Xavier's parents.
I felt a sharp pang of guilt in my chest as I watched Catarina clutch her handkerchief to her mouth, trying to stifle her sobs. Nicholas gently placed a hand on his wife's back. I could see his jaw tightening, his own emotions threatening to spill over.
Summoning everything I had, I slowly approached them, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. My voice was a shaky whisper as I said, "I'm so sorry. This is... all my fault."
