Chapter 71

Xavier cried hot tears of relief.

“My son.” Pierre said. “Oh, Xavier. Thank you.” His voice broke. “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m so sorry.” Xavier took a deep breath, wiping his eyes and nose. He hadn’t felt so light and airy, as though his soul was breathing in the world for the first time in six years. He was coming into existence again. “I fucked up, Dad. I fucked everything up.”

“No, son, no.” Pierre sniffled. “No, Xavier. Listen to me. Are you listening to me?”

“I never stopped listening, Dad.”

Pierre broke down again, crying on the line.

Xavier listened to his father’s tears and knew he’d hurt his father. Had deeply wounded him. “I should have followed you,” he said.