Chapter 10 · Loopbound - Chapter 10: The Wrong Version of Mom

The door clicks open before Callum touches it.

He steps through. The room smells like burnt copper and old paper. Three walls lined with filing cabinets. A steel examination table in the center, restraints hanging loose. His mother stands beside it, one hand resting on the edge like she's steadying herself. She's wearing the same gray Academy sweater she had on in every loop. Same jeans. Same scuffed boots.

Nolan Greer sits behind a desk against the far wall, hands folded. He's older than the faculty photo Callum found in loop twelve. Gray at the temples. Lines around his mouth.

"Callum." Nolan says his name like they've met before. "Come in. Close the door."

Callum doesn't move. His mother hasn't looked at him yet. She's staring at the table.

"You said grandson," Callum says. "Want to explain that?"

Nolan tilts his head. "Your mother didn't tell you."

"My mother vanished when I was seven."

"She didn't vanish. She volunteered." Nolan gestures at the chair across from him. "Sit. We don't have long before the loop resets."

"I'm good standing."

Nolan's mouth twitches. Not quite a smile. "Suit yourself."

Callum looks at his mother again. She still hasn't turned.