章 47: CHAPTER 47: A Close Call

　　The air in the car was thick with Alexander's silent displeasure. After my outburst about needing to go to the clinic because he'd almost passed out in his living room, he'd withdrawn completely, a stubborn scowl etched onto his face.

　　Glancing over at Alexander, I couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh. He sat rigidly in his seat, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed on some invisible point in the distance. It was as if I'd offended some ancient code of honor by insisting on him getting medical attention.

　　Part of me wanted to shake him out of his sulk. "Grow up, Alexander," I almost snapped, the words itching on my tongue. But then, a flicker of something else stopped me. Behind the stoic mask, the carefully cultivated aura of an unfeeling leader, I saw a flicker of something younger. Something vulnerable.