As Elise rushed to the house, she found Theresa and Cassy in the lounge. Prior to her arrival, she had texted the girls, but Allaine and Mikayla had to sleep due to work the next day, and Priscilla was also working. 
"Girls..." Elise began, setting her bag down on one of the couches. 
Cassy, her face etched with worry, started to speak. "Ms. Elise, I'm so sorry, we didn't mean to hurt him. We thought he didn't proceed in moving in, so we thought he was a burglar," Cassy explained, only to be interrupted by Elise. 
"I'm not mad about that, Cassy," Elise sighed. "What I'm mad about is you tried to deal with it yourselves. You put yourselves in great danger. What if it was a real burglar?" 
"We do apologize for the lapse in our judgement, Elise. We want to correct this. Is there any way we can help?" Theresa asked. 
"We need to get Altair out of jail tonight, so I need the two of you to accompany me and testify that this is just a misunderstanding," Elise said. 
Theresa pulled out a document from a nearby drawer, bearing all their signatures. "Here, we have an affidavit saying that this is just a misunderstanding, and no one will press any charges," Theresa said, handing the document to Elise. 
"Good, let's go then," Elise said, and the three of them stood up and headed to the car. 
Cassy was dressed in comfortable clothing, a pink tank top and pink short shorts, while Theresa was in a white T-shirt and shorts. Elise, on the other hand, was in her business attire, a sharp black suit with a crisp white blouse underneath. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she wore a pair of black heels that clicked against the pavement as they walked. 
As they rode in Elise's SUV, Theresa in the passenger seat and Cassy in the back, Theresa couldn't shake off the events of the night. Her curiosity piqued, she turned to Elise. "Elise, I just want to ask, what happened to him? To be in that state?" Theresa was referring to Altair's state and appearance. 
"What you saw tonight is the complete opposite of what he really is," Elise replied. "It's not that I'm trying to hide things, but he doesn't want that information to be divulged." 
Cassy, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "He feels empty, hollow. It feels like he's already given up on life, like all hope is lost," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 
Elise sighed, her eyes on the road. "That's because that's what's happening now. He's lost his purpose in life." 
"Poor soul, I hope he gets better, whatever he's going through," Cassy said, sadness tinging her voice. 
Theresa nodded in agreement. "It's hard to say that, once a man loses his purpose, it's hard to overcome. But I believe that everyone has the capacity to change and find a new purpose." 
Elise chuckled, glancing at Theresa through the rearview mirror. "And with that valuable insight, you're still single?" she teased. 
Annoyed by Elise's teasing, Theresa swatted on Elise's shoulder. "You're annoying, you know that?" she retorted, but there was a smile on her face. 
The three shared a good laugh, the tension in the car easing slightly. "Just one thing, girls," Elise said, her tone serious again. "He's really aloof right now. Don't engage him, okay?" 
The two girls nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They reached the police station where a police officer greeted them. "We're here to pick up Altair," Elise said, and they were invited by the police officer inside. 
"He's there, staring into the distance. He's kind of scary, all the inmates try to distance themselves from him," the police officer said. Elise chuckled as she approached the jail door, the officer opening it. Altair was sitting there, staring into the distance. 
"Babe, it's time to go home," Elise said, her voice soft. 
The two girls were surprised at what Elise called Altair, creating more confusion for them. Altair stood up and went with Elise. The four of them left the station and rode in Elise's car. Now, Altair was next to the driver and the two girls were in the back. Elise suddenly hit Altair on the shoulder. 
"You stink! What the hell, babe?!" Elise exclaimed, her nose wrinkling in disgust. 
"I don't want to alarm you, babe..." Altair touched his right arm. "I might have some broken bones, a couple of them maybe?" he said, his voice strained. 
"You could lead with that, dumbass!" Elise snapped, immediately turning the car in a different direction. While driving, Altair reached for the glove compartment and pulled out something. 
"What are you looking for in there?" Elise asked, her eyes on the road. 
Altair showed her the cigarette pack he had found. He also reached for the lighter that was situated in the dashboard. "When did you learn to smoke?" Elise asked, her tone incredulously. 
"A week ago? You wouldn't believe how fast I can learn," Altair said, a hint of pride in his voice. 
"That's something you shouldn't be proud of, mister!" Elise retorted, her eyes flashing in the rearview mirror.
Altair chuckled, taking a long drag from the cigarette. "I suppose you're right. But it's not like I have much else to be proud of these days." 
Elise glanced at him, her expression softening. "That's not true, Altair. You're going through a tough time, but that doesn't mean you're worthless." 
Altair shrugged, looking out the window. "Maybe. But it's hard to see the value in myself when I feel like I've lost everything." 
Elise reached over, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "You haven't lost everything. You still have people who care about you. Like me." 
Altair turned to look at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "I suppose I do. Thanks, Elise." 
Elise smiled back at him, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "Anytime, Altair. Remember, we're in this together." 
"So, you didn't announce your arrival to the girls?" Elise asked, changing the subject, her tone lightening. 
"I did not. I was busy binge drinking and it was almost midnight when I arrived. I did see her though," Altair said, pointing to Cassy in the backseat. 
Theresa gave Cassy a look that said, "Really, Cassy? You're a light sleeper?" Cassy just shrugged, a sheepish grin on her face. 
"Wow! Drinking! And now smoking? You're growing up too fast, young man!" Elise said sarcastically, shaking her head in mock disapproval. 
"Thanks, babe," Altair said, his tone somber but a hint of a smile playing on his lips. 
"That's not a compliment!" Elise snapped, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. She couldn't help but chuckle at Altair's nonchalant attitude. 
"But seriously, Altair," Elise continued, her tone turning serious, "These aren't healthy coping mechanisms. You're just numbing the pain, not dealing with it." 
Altair was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. "I know," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's easier this way." 
"Easier isn't always better, Altair," Elise said gently. "You're just delaying the inevitable. At some point, you're going to have to face your demons." 
Altair let out a dry chuckle. "You sound like a therapist, Elise." 
Elise smirked, "Well, you could be my patient, you know." 
Altair laughed, a genuine laugh that filled the car. "You'd have a pain in the ass therapist, Elise." 
Elise joined in his laughter, "No thank you, I have enough headaches as it is." Their laughter filled the car, easing the tension that had built up. Despite the serious conversation, they were able to find a moment of levity, a testament to their bond. 
When they arrived at the hospital, Altair was given minor treatment for his broken bones. He was provided with painkillers and a cast for his arm. The doctor advised him to take it easy for a few weeks and to come back for a check-up after a month. Despite the pain, Altair remained stoic, only wincing slightly as the cast was applied. As they left the hospital, Elise made sure to remind him to take his medication and to rest, mothering him in a way that made both Theresa and Cassy smile.