"Cassie..." he croaks out, voice sounding as exhausted and drained as he looks. My father takes a moment to clear his throat before continuing. "I'm sorry to pull you away from your...activities this evening. But there's something important I need to discuss with you."
A lead weight seems to settle in the pit of my stomach at his grave tone. I step further into the study, slowly lowering myself into one of the wingback chairs across from his desk. "What's going on, Dad? You're starting to freak me out here."
He lets out a humorless chuckle, dragging one hand down the side of his weary face. "Yeah, I'll bet. This isn't...well, this isn't easy for me, kiddo."
I stay silent, waiting with bated breath for him to elaborate. After another long pause where he seems to be gathering his thoughts
