Winter’s POV

“Em em.”

The sound was deliberate. Dry. Fadel’s quiet cough cut through the moment like a blade, forcing space between my father and me. I loosened my grip reluctantly, wiping at my wet cheeks as if the tears embarrassed me now that he was watching.

“You can always come and visit her if you miss her too much,” Fadel said to my father.

His tone was calm, almost courteous, but he stood there like an immovable force, shoulders squared, presence dominating the space without ...