LIAM

“Why… why are you crying? What’s happening?” I asked, looking around the room in a daze. My parents still had solemn expressions, and the atmosphere felt tense, but something else was happening within me.

I felt guilt, panic, and despair all at once. If I had stayed back with Arlene, she probably wouldn’t be missing right now.

“I’m sorry I blamed you for my misfortunes all these years,” Lucas began, cutting through my reverie. “I’m sorry I thought you were trying to kill me and take what’s rightfully mine. At the time, I felt those emotions were justified, but now I know better and I…”

“I don’t have time...