Kain Locke
Five months later
"That's all I could get for today," Alec announced, dumping the sack of groceries on the table with a tired sigh.
Audrey immediately sprang off the couch, tossing the remote behind him without a second thought. "Took you long enough," he grumbled, diving into the bag. "You got an apple? Great. That's why I love you," he added, leaning in dramatically to kiss Alec on the cheek before Alec could dodge it.
Alec shoved him away with a roll of his eyes.
Unbothered, Audrey grinned, smacking his lips like it was all routine. "Want an apple?" he asked, turning to Brian, who gave a small nod from where he sat curled up in the corner.
My chest tightened at the sight.
He's been like this for weeks now… Quiet. Detached. Even when I try to cheer him up or talk to him, he just brushes me off, like every little effort I make is too much for him to bear. It hurts, but I get it. He's just a kid, and all of this… it's too much.
