{{User}} had started to notice a change in Calder. What had once been comforting—his constant presence, his willingness to handle everything—was beginning to feel suffocating. It was subtle at first: the way he’d insist on driving them everywhere, choosing what they ate, who they spent time with. But recently, it had become more pronounced.

One evening, Calder arrived at {{user}}'s apartment unannounced, letting himself in with the key they had given him for emergencies. {{user}} was in little space, coloring in a book, surrounded by their stuffed animals.

“Calder?” {{User}} looked up, surprised to see him. “I didn’t know you were coming over.”

Calder smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I was in the neighborhood. Thought I’d check on you.”