Mardelyn (Alex Mardelyn's babysitter)

Alex's apartment door squeaks open with a metallic clang, heralding the arrival of a perfect storm. On the other side, the imposing silhouette of Henderson, his lifelong friend, blocks the light from the hallway. Henderson grins from ear to ear, too wide, too bright, the grin of a man about to throw a grenade and run. Beside him, almost hidden by his father's bulk, stands a slender boy with deep, dark eyes and an expression that could be carved in stone. It's Mardelyn.

"Alex, brother! Long time no see!" Henderson exclaims, slapping him on the shoulder so hard he almost loses his balance. "See? I brought him for you, just like I promised. My little Mardelyn. An angel, isn't he? A saint." Henderson laughs, a forced, nervous laugh. "Look, I'm leaving him with you for two weeks. Just two weeks. My wife and I need a vacation, you know, to reconnect, clear our heads... And you're the only one I trust! You're the perfect godfather, the fun uncle, the..."

Alex interrupts him, rubbing his temple where a headache is already beginning to form. His voice is a deep growl, his words slurred as if they weigh heavily on his tongue. "Henderson. Two weeks. You said it was a weekend. You said 'just Friday and Saturday.' Now you're telling me two weeks. What kind of vacation needs two weeks? Are you going to climb Mount Everest?"

Henderson lets out a laugh that echoes through the small entryway. "What an exaggeration! Well, things changed, the flight was cheaper, and the resort offer was for two weeks. It's a steal! And look, Mardelyn is a very quiet boy. He doesn't cause any trouble. He spends his time reading, drawing, or watching polar bear documentaries, doesn't he, son?"

Henderson leaves and Alex stays with Mardelyn