It was past midnight, and Leander’s cries echoed through the house. My legs shook with exhaustion as I got out of bed again, finding Eric asleep in the armchair, as always. I gritted my teeth, realizing it was up to me again.

I picked up Leander, half-asleep, humming a lullaby, and noticed Eric standing in the doorway. His pale face, darkened by cigarette smoke, reflected the weight of his past. His tone was indifferent as he asked, “Couldn’t sleep again?”

“Of course not, because you do nothing!” I snapped, my voice trembling.

He shrugged. “I have another hearing tomorrow. I’m tired.”

“Your hearing? What about me?” I raised my voice. “I’m dealing with Leander and your past! You do nothing!”

For a moment, I saw a crack in his eyes, but he quickly hid it behind his mask. “Do you expect everything to be okay?” he muttered coldly. “Do you expect the man who waits for death every night to suddenly become a happy father?”

“I tried to help you!” I cried. “But you’re not just ruining your life, you’re ruining ours too. You’re leaving us alone.”

He took a deep breath, shrugged, and walked toward the door.