Both Aiden and Mark whipped around, instantly recognizing the voice.
It was Lucas, standing before them with tears already streaming down his cheeks. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Where the hell are you going, man?" He knelt down beside Aiden, grabbing his shoulder, his gaze locking onto his friend's. "How come I'm just finding out about this? You weren't even planning to tell me, were you?"
Aiden's expression softened, but before he could answer, Mark chimed in, his tone laced with seriousness. "You wouldn't have listened even if he tried to explain. You've always ignored him, no matter what."
Lucas swallowed hard, his throat tight with guilt. "I'm sorry, man," he whispered, pulling Aiden into a tight embrace, sobbing bitterly into his shoulder. "I knew something was wrong. I felt it, but I was too angry to ask. I had to follow you guys to the hospital today… that's when I found out it was a cancer clinic."