🏰 At the DEVIS Mansion
In Justin's Room
Justin was curled under his blanket, sleeping peacefully—
soft breaths, relaxed face, the innocence of a kid who trusted his home.
Justin:
"…mmh… 😴"
But Amber's mind wasn't calm today.
She stood by the door, eyes clouded with worry.
Amber (thinking):
"I need to find it fast…
I can't stay here for many days.
I have to find out what happened…
—but how? 😕"
Her gaze fell on sleeping Justin.
Sweet. Quiet. But stubborn.
Amber:
"He won't tell me anything directly… 😤
Think, Amber… THINK…"
Then—
her eyes suddenly sharpened.
Amber:
"…Idea. 😊"
She stepped out of the room.
---
In the Living Area
Megan was sitting on the sofa, swinging her legs, scrolling her phone.
Amber:
"Megan 😊"
Megan (startled):
"Huh? Yes, sis? 😕"
Amber:
"I'm going out.
Take care of Justin for now. 😐"
Megan (serious like a soldier):
"Okay, sis. 😤
Leave him to me."
Amber walked toward the left hallway—
and at the same moment…
---
🚗 Outside — Jonathan Arrives
The car slowed to a stop.
Jonathan stepped out, stretching his neck.
Jonathan:
"Looks like we're here."
He leaned into the car.
"Come on, everyone. Out you go."
Lussy hopped off happily.
Thomas jumped out.
Emily followed.
But Eric…
stayed frozen in the backseat.
Shaking.
Not from cold—
from something else.
Because Lussy had rested her hand on his back earlier.
A simple gesture for her.
But for Eric…
It unlocked memories he wished he could forget.
Jonathan immediately noticed, leaned in, and gently lifted him.
Jonathan (soft smile):
"Come here, dear. 😊
I'll carry you."
Eric clung to him without a word, burying his face into Jonathan's shoulder.
---
🏰 Inside the Mansion
The house was unusually quiet.
Only Joseph was in the living room, leaning on the wall, eyes glued to his phone like a statue.
Jonathan:
"Oh? Joseph! Where is everyone? 😊"
Joseph didn't even look up.
Joseph:
"Mom and dad? …Church. 😐"
Jonathan:
"Steve? 😊"
Joseph:
"Meeting. 😐"
Jonathan:
"Lauran? 😊"
Joseph:
"Reunion. 😐"
Jonathan:
"Megan? 😊"
Joseph:
"With Justin. 😐"
Jonathan:
"Amber— I mean… sister? 😊"
Joseph finally looked up for half a second.
Joseph:
"Don't know. Maybe she went outside. 😐"
And then he went straight back to staring at his phone.
Jonathan blinked.
The kids snickered.
Eric only held Jonathan's collar tighter.
---continue