Chapter 36

Xavier and I sat on the dock, their legs dangling above the water's surface. Fish leaped, birds sang their sweet melodies. In the distance, she thought she glimpsed a crane by the marsh. The serenity of the peaceful setting waned under Xavier's distant gaze. It didn't vanish entirely, just flickered and dimmed slightly.

I felt deeply unsettled by Xavier's lack of eye contact. Even during our conversation, where I shared that Steve had directed me to him and ended with the tree hugging, he maintained an emotional distance. I had hoped to evoke a laugh or a smile from him with my antics, but received no response. Not even a hint of a grin.

He remained emotionally detached, though polite and courteous. He listened attentively, yet his face and deep, dark eyes betrayed no emotion. It was as if he wasn't fully present. The conversation felt more like me filling the silence with chatter than a genuine exchange. It hurt. I hadn't deluded myself, knowing it was a one-sided crush