(Flashback)

After what seemed like forever, Samantha finally pushed open the door of the nurses’ section. The corridor was silent except for the sound of Xavier’s restless pacing. His boots scuffed against the tiled floort. His hands wouldn’t stay still; they kept running through his hair, tugging at the strands as if it would somehow calm him.

The moment he saw her, he rushed forward. “Samantha?” he called, his voice hoarse, hopeful, and terrified.

Samantha’s face was pale from ...