Xavier drove Cassidy and Claire to the airport in silence, the hum of the engine filling the quiet space between them. Tension hung in the air—not because of anything said, but because of everything that hadn't been.
At the departure gate, Cassidy checked their boarding passes while Claire stood beside her suitcase. Moments earlier, she had tucked her stuffed bunny inside, but at the last minute, she unzipped the bag and pulled it out—unable to part with her favorite toy. Now, she clutched it tightly against her chest.
When it was finally time to say goodbye, Claire ran into Xavier's arms.
"Uncle Xavi," she mumbled into his shoulder, "can't you come with us?"
Before Xavier could respond, Cassidy spoke quickly—too quickly.
"Claire, no. Uncle Xavi has work. He's very busy and can't come to America with us."
