Autumn

　　Taking a seat across from him, I watched as he struggled to compose himself, his hands gripping the edge of his desk as if anchoring himself to reality.

　　"Why are you drinking so much..." I stammered, my words faltering in the face of his anguish. "I mean, I know... I'm sorry, but this is just... bad-" I trailed off, unable to find the right words to convey my concern.

　　Ethan shook his head, cutting off my feeble attempts at consolation. "It's ...