~Axel~
Ever since Layla returned home that night, she hadn't been the same, and I hadn't been able to figure out why.
She was showing signs of depression, and the nightmares worried me more than I cared to admit. Even Erica had come to see her twice, and Layla hadn't even opened her door.
I sat in my study, deliberately leaving the door open. Every night when the nightmares woke her up, I wanted to be close enough to hear her, to be there for her.
The documents on my desk blurred as I tried to focus on work, but my mind kept drifting to her hollow eyes, her trembling hands.
My phone rang, breaking the silence and when I started, I recognized the number even though I hadn't bothered to save it.
"Yes?"
"What's the update?"
I leaned back in my chair, already feeling the familiar tension in my shoulders. "There's nothing to update."
"Nothing? It's been weeks."
"I've been dealing with other situations."
"Other situations?" The voice was sharp. "Like what?"
