Noah swallowed hard, looking to the man at his desk. Tears stained his cheeks as he shook, leaning against the doorway for support. Isaac couldn't hear his choked cries, though, of course not. His headphones sat on his ears, over his perfectly pushed back hair. He looked so perfect, he always did. As Noah's hands trembled, he knocked against the doorframe—something he'd begun doing once Isaac had gotten his promotion—he'd be snapped at if he got Isaac's attention any other way while the boy was working. In contract to Isaac's perfectly rested form, Noah slouched, crippled by the weight of the bags under his eyes and the lack of weight on his bones. Clearing his throat, Noah spoke up once he had Isaac's attention. "I—I'm taking Aashir and Aidah to mum and dad's for a few weeks," he whispered, wiping his cheeks. "While you an-and I figure out..us." His voice was barely audible as he trembled, a packed bag by his feet.
