-Amos Kane-

The Fausts were quick; they didn't even wait for Julius to say anything. They showed up at the warehouse the day after I brought the kids, demanding custody of Sadie. Worse, the Per Ankh was supporting them. I was hoping to protest it, offer to help Julius with them. However, the nightmare came swiftly over us, and we still kept it in silence around the kids.

Sadie was coloring again, Carter learning the rules of basketball from his father. I frowned, a little agitated that the kids were still being left in the dark. I understood the toll, but wasn't it easier to tell sooner than later?

After explaining dribbling, Carter brought up the unspoken topic. "Does Mom know basketball too?"

A perfect time for me to escape, except Julius knew I was there the entire time. He faced me, eyes asking me such a dark question. I froze, my nerves panicking as to why he would even turn to me for help on it. I didn't have a wife die on me; she was just a crush and close friend. "That's up to you," I spoke aloud, earning confused looks from the kids.

Julius sighed, closing his eyes as if searching his mind for the best way to go about it. "Sadie, Carter, I have some news."

"Yeah?" Sadie perked up; driving her eyes to her father rather than the book she had been attacking for two days now.

A rock formed in his throat, he was seeing the same look I was getting back in LA. "It's about Mom," he struggled to continue.

"Is she coming over?" Carter wondered, making it harder for Julius to continue.

"No, Carter… In fact, we won't be seeing her again." Julius was starting to tense, where he would usually get defensive and dodge the uncomfortable topic, but it needed to be done.

"Um, why?" Sadie asked, and then took a glance towards me in about the same state.

My eyes saddened, seeing Julius bow his head, looking away from their expectant eyes. "Ruby- I mean your Mom- is currently in a deep state of sleep." I started, hoping he will pick it up so I don't have to be left dropping the bomb.

Carter peered up at me, worry in his eyes. They're not stupid, all that is needed is crumbs to let them put the pieces together. "Why?" Sadie asked.

Julius finally looked up, eyes on his kids. "There was a car accident…" he trailed off, leaving the rest to their imagination as they faced him again.

"Will Mom wake?" Sadie prodded, which was the final signal for me to leave.

I took the last step upstairs to overhear three separate cries. I inhaled sharply, keeping my composure when I noticed eyes on me. Gold eyes, peering back at me from the window, looking miserable. Anyone would assume it was from the rain, the cat was looking for shelter. But I knew better, and I wasn't about to feel pity towards her guilt.

I approached and closed the grey curtains, concealing the view from her. "You're lucky, stop pushing it," I snarled, hoping she heard it through the glass as I walked away.