Alfred chuckled softly, the sound carrying a mix of condescension and amusement. “You’re still young. Right now, you think this is what you want. Someday, you might regret it.”

"Who knows what the future holds? Let’s just live in the moment," I replied, letting a touch of melancholy slip into my voice.

"Fine. If this is the person you want, then when he comes back, you can take him with you," Alfred said, agreeing with surprising ease.

I ...