Lily A needle could ring with how quiet everywhere got. The silence hung in the air, heavy and tense. It felt loud, ringing in my ears as I stared at him, mind blank. Nathan looked away from me and I instantly knew why. With eye contact, they engaged in a silent conversation I was not privy to. I didn't want this. Before I could say a word, a sharp sound cut the air. It was Nathan's chair, abruptly shifted as he stood up. "I'll leave you two alone." he spoke quietly, turning away. With the click of the door, he left the room, leaving me alone with Alexander. I turned back to him. Because of me. Because of me. Those words repeated like a broken record. "What," I paused, swallowing through my dry mouth."Do you mean by that?" Were he to show any other expression, perhaps a bit of

