Madelyn was still just a student, but what she was going through now far exceeded what others her age experienced. At this age, she should have been focused on her studies and worrying about her grades, but instead, she had to comfort an adult who was three or four years older than her.

'I always seem to be the one who has to worry about everyone else's problems,' Madelyn thought. She went to the upstairs room and knocked on the door.

Thud!

Something had been thrown at the door. Madelyn was startled and almost dropped what she was holding.

"Go away!" Ethan shouted.

Madelyn asked, "Are you really not letting me in?"

Ethan remained silent in the room for a few seconds. Madelyn opened the door and was about to walk in. Suddenly, she saw Ethan on the bed throw off the blanket and rush towards her, wrapping her in a tight hug. She took a few steps back to regain her balance. Ethan's voice was soft and pitiful as he held her tight. "I thought you wouldn't be back."

"I'm running out of