Axel's gaze drifted back to Evelyn, his eyes dark and aching.
He memorized every detail of her face, afraid to look away, fearful that if he did, something would happen again.
Silence settled heavily around them.
Even Finley, who usually had something sharp or thoughtful to say, remained quiet.
Finley's eyes were fixed on Evelyn, too, filled with an emotion far more complex than grief alone. Regret twisted deep in his chest, mingling with anger and self-blame.
If only he had let Axel attend the family gathering with Evelyn. This won't happen.
Finley's hands curled slowly into fists. He had lost his family once before. He couldn't bear the thought of losing them again, not after finally finding her.
"I'm sorry, Eve, Axel…" Finley murmured, more to himself than anyone else, but loud enough to be heard.
Axel turned his head slightly. "It's not your fault," he said quietly.
