Theo paces around the room, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet, with his thoughts running a mile a minute as he prepares to deliver the news. The cozy fireplace crackles in the corner, casting dancing shadows along the walls, but they do nothing to warm the icy dread that settles in his heart.

Taking several deep breaths does nothing to calm the turmoil within him. How could he calm down? All the plans he made for the future have been ripped away. The idyllic life he envisioned couldn't be further out of reach. And now he had to repeat the news to the most important person in his life, the very reason he breathes.

"I can do this. I can do this." He repeats this is his head, hoping he can convince himself of the fact. But he couldn't. Admitting the truth out loud just made it feel too real. Theo wasn't ready for that. He didn't think he could ever be ready.

The sound of approaching footsteps causes him to freeze as the dread increases ten-fold.