The day Scorpius started pulling away, Albus attributed it to stress. The next day, he didn't let himself believe it was happening.

The next day, he cried.

Albus couldn't live without Scorpius. He couldn't live without the man he loved. They saw each other in classes and the dormitory, but Scorpius didn't talk to Albus the way he used to. They didn't spend as much time together.

Albus blamed himself. He sunk into a deep unhappiness and drew away from his family. Scorpius didn't want to be his friend. Scorpius didn't want to see him.

Albus couldn't live without Scorpius.