Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

As Landon entered the living hall, his eyes reddened from the emotions swelling within him. Everything appeared unchanged, as if nothing had occurred.

A gentle voice, once a source of comfort, broke the silence. "Mr. Landon, you're back."

"I'm back," he choked out. His smile, though warm, faded as he realized there would be no reply to follow.

With a heavy thud, Landon's knees buckled beneath him. He crumpled onto the floor, his once sturdy frame folding inward. Silent sobs wracked his body as he curled into a ball.

"Landon!"

"Mr. Landon!"

Jasper and Jordan rushed to his side; concern etched on their faces. But the only response was the quiet sound of wet tears hitting the ground.

in his arms, his body wracked with silent

to force yourself to do it," Jasper said, holding Landon's trembling shoulders, his own eyes

away his tears forcefully as he struggled to rise, using his arms for support as he made

his friend's stubborn yet fragile form ascend the staircase, Jasper's heart constricted

time when mentioning Angelina would always bring a flamboyant grin to Landon's face. She wasn't just an employee; she was family—a loyal

reached the room where Angelina

a table. Its simplicity belied the fact that it had once

Jordan, hesitant to disturb the sanctity of the space, remained by the door as Landon gently brushed his fingertips across the desk's surface, sensing

preserved in plastic as

said, his voice tinged with emotion as he lifted out a chili-red evening gown. "I'll never