Sacrificial Lamb

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"My father suffers from the Noctisveil syndrome," Leonardo began after settling into the wooden chair in the physics tower. "It's a… a familial affliction, really. An incurable illness that slowly ravages both the respiratory and muscular system, weakening the body over time until…" He faltered, the words sticking in his throat like a painful lump.

"I knew it was hereditary, but I… never thought my father would be so unlucky. He kept the truth from me, and although I understand why, it still burns me everytime I think about it."

Leonardo's words were laced with a sense of betrayal that still lingered, his anger and frustration simmering just below the surface.

Esme's eyes widened in shock, unable to comprehend what he just told her. She had expected many things, but not this. Not a terminal illness that hung like a specter over Leonardo's warm family.