---- He was terrified that if he lingered even a second longer, she'd say something that would sever them forever. But he shouldn't have left. She was still so weak. How could he not be there for her? No. He had to go to her now. Immediately. Maybe... just maybe, if he acted fast enough, she might forgive him. The thought alone made him restless. He turned and was about to bolt for the door- But his parents stopped him. "Levi," his mother called out sharply. ''Your son was just born. You're not staying in the hospital with him, and you're trying to run off again? Where do you think you're going?" He turned around. Their eyes were full of reproach. Lily's gaze brimmed with hope. ---- But none of it-none of them-were what he wanted. He shook his head. "This child... this child is your dream, not mine. And now that you've gotten what you wanted, stop trying to control me." He didn't wait for their reply. He walked out without looking back. He needed to see Nikki. Desperately. He couldn't even wait for the elevator. He took the stairs, phone in hand, trying again and again to call her. But the line wouldn't connect. Fine. He would stop calling. She had every right to be angry. He would coax her, comfort her-do whatever it took. He drove straight home. He knew she had nowhere else to go. She would be there. He was ---- certain of it. In his mind, she was curled up under the blanket, waiting for him to come peel it away, to kiss her softly and make it right. But when he unlocked the door and stepped inside .-he was greeted by darkness and total, aching silence.