~Leon's POV~
Beck: Yes, I'm home. I'm not feeling very well... I got caught in the rain on my way back.
The moment I read those words, the exhaustion vanished. I stood up and began dressing with frantic speed.
"Where are you going?" Theo asked, sitting up in bed, his voice laced with renewed suspicion.
I didn't answer. I kept moving toward the door, my focus already miles away from that room.
"Leon! It's you I'm talking to!" Theo shouted, his voice shrill with desperation.
I paused at the doorway, looking back over my shoulder. I kept my voice calm, knowing it would cut deeper than anger. "I won't be coming back tonight."
I opened the door and walked out.
I could hear him calling my name behind me, his voice chasing me down the hallway, but I didn't turn back. I didn't slow down. I didn't even react.
For once, I refused to be the one left standing in the silence.
