Rafe and you had shared a friendship that had withstood the test of time, battling both the highs and lows of life together. Despite the toxicity that clung to him like a shadow, you had caught glimpses of his potential and found yourself falling in love with him, silently hoping someday he would change.

Today, he stood at your doorstep, seeking comfort and support after yet another disheartening interaction with his father.

"Hey, can I come in?" he asked, his voice weary and his eyes laced with disappointment.