Nico

Nico awoke to the sound of bouncing. On the bed. On his bed.

"Wha? What time is it? Go back to bed…"

Nico opened his eyes and saw Bianca jumping at the foot of the bed happily. And a little too high for his liking.

"Bianca! Stop! It's only 6 am!," Nico moaned. "And, you're gonna hurt yourself!"

Bianca did one last jump, and landed awkwardly on-

"Accccckkkkkk! Jeez Bianca, that's my stomach… owww…" Nico grunted.

"Sorry daddy," Bianca grimaced. "It was an accident."

Nico immediately felt sorry. Every time his daughter apologized, he felt like he had to do everything in his power to make Bianca happy. He sat up and ruffled her hair.

"Ok, never mind. I think my stomach will survive. Now, let's go get you back to bed. 7 year olds need their sleep."

Nico swung his legs out of bed and led Bianca to her room. Walking back to the master bedroom, a realization hit Nico. Why is Will still asleep? Will was always up at 5:30 sharp, in order to make it to work on time. I better check on him… When Nico stepped into the bedroom, he saw Will. Asleep. And snoring. He's gonna be late for work!

"Will! It's 6 o'clock! I hate to break the beauty sleep but, you have work today…"

Will awoke with a start.

"What! I'm going to be late! Why didn't my alarm go off…" Will checked his phone and fumbled with it for a few seconds before leaping out of bed and throwing on his clothes.

"Bye Neeks," Will grinned, and kissed Nico on the cheek. "Love ya!" Nico smiled, shoved instant coffee into Will's hands, and opened the door. Will ran out like a crazed, late for work, father. Which he was, after all.

Nico strode back to the bedroom to get some more sleep. Plopping onto the bed, he lay on his back and sighed. Suddenly, the bedroom phone rang. Nico glanced at it suspiciously, then reached over the night table and picked it up.

"Hello, Nico speaking. How may I help you?"

"Neeks, It's me. Can you-"

Will was cut off by Nico.

"Wait. Why are you calling me? You just left for work!"

"Yeah, but kinda a problem. I got to work, and the building is deserted. Even the janitor isn't here."

Nico sat up in surprise.

"It's completely empty? Are you sure?"

"Look Neeks. It's not that big of a building. And everyone is usually here early."

Nico could hear the concern in Will's voice, and he didn't like that.

"Will, just come home. It's fine. I'm still here and Bianca hasn't gone to school yet."

"OK, I'll come ho-"

Will's voice was cut off and Nico heard his phone drop to the floor.

"Will? Will? Are you OK? Will? Say something!"

Nico heard nothing. Oh my gods, what just happened? I have to go check on him, but Bianca…