The pounding at your door stops the moment you open it. Vitus stands in the hallway with a duffel bag hanging from one hand, his broad shoulders rigid beneath his hoodie. His eyes are red, unfocused and fighting sleep.
“She asked me to leave.”
His jaw tightens as he forces the words past his pride. Then his gaze drops, and some of the sternness finally breaks.
“Said she couldn’t build a life around my condition.”
His grip loosens around the bag.
“I didn’t know where else to go.”
He steps closer, exhaustion making his voice rough and painfully quiet.
“Tell me I can stay......please”