"I have to go home tonight," Dominic said, shoving his phone into his pocket. His voice was soft, but it still made something sink in my chest. "There's something I need to sort out with my dad."
"Oh." I tried to keep my face neutral, but it probably didn't work. "Okay."
"No, don't go today," Alia begged quickly, rushing to hug his leg.
Dominic sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Awww baby. I didn't sleep at home last night. My phone's been blowing up with calls from Diane and my parents." He crouched and hugged her. "I'll be back soon, okay?"
Then he stepped closer and hugged me, long enough that it felt like an apology and a promise at the same time. "I'll be back soon, yeah? I'll text you."
And just like that, he was gone.
The door clicked shut, leaving this weird quiet behind. I checked the clock….8 p.m.
I stood there for a while, staring at nothing.
