Thirty Seven

"Look who finally came to visit," Mrs. Callaway said at the door, tugging at Vincent's hair playfully as he let out a string of ow's.

"Auntie Larissa!" Anya jumped up and down, reaching for her aunt, who eventually let go of her brother to lovingly gather her into her arms.

"There's my favourite niece," she cooed as she spun a laughing Anya around.

"She's your only niece," Vincent grunted, fixing his hair. I shrunk behind him, all of a sudden intimidated. He turned around to face me with a raised brow.

"Come on, Julias. You've got this."

He put an encouraging hand on my shoulder, tugging me further into the familiar apartment.

"Vincent! It's good to see you again," Pat greeted warmly as they shook hands.

"Likewise. You're looking younger every day, Pat."

"Oh, please. I thought you Brits didn't lie," he chuckled.

Vincent looked around the living room curiously, "Where's Toby?"

"He's been cooped up in his room all day. Haven't seen him since last night."