The hard way

The drive to Mr. Alfred's house came to a stop when Yoko's foot hit the brake and turned off the car engine.

The car was silent, except for the sound of his and Zane’s own breath, and when Zane stared out the window, he saw Mr. Alfred standing outside in front of the mansion, apparently waiting on them.

The fear of facing the truth became very real to Zane at that moment and even though he knew the was no turning back now, it still made him feel as though there was something heavy crushing his heart.

Watching Yoko and Zane step out of the car, Mr. Alfred tightened his grip on his cane and smiled kindly at both of them.

“Zane,” Mr. Alfred mumbled. “It’s nice to see you again...”

The genuine worried look in the old man's eyes made Zane's anger soften and he gave him a genuine, slight smile.

“Can we talk inside,” Zane said. It wasn’t quite an order, but it was close enough to be one, and Mr. Alfred seemed to understand what he meant because he nodded with a sad expression on his face.