Suddenly, Ethan's phone vibrated with a message from his mother: "Ethan, it's late. Come home."
Ethan typed back a quick "Okay," then looked up at Madison. "If there isn't anything else, I'll take my leave." Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked toward his house.
Madison watched him go before turning back toward her car, which was parked a short distance away.
As Ethan walked, his mind raced, replaying everything that had just happened. Was it wise to tell Madison? he wondered. Then his thoughts drifted to the letter.
"I guess I'm taking a trip to New Jersey," he murmured to himself.
When Ethan stepped inside his house, a single lamp was casting a warm glow over the living room. His mother was waiting up for him. She stood up the moment he walked in.
"I'm sorry to trouble you. You should have gone to sleep," Ethan said softly.
His mother smiled and patted his head. "It's no trouble. I just wanted to see you before turning in."
A wave of warmth washed over Ethan.
"Now, get some rest," she said, heading down the hall to her room. Ethan collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion overtaking him almost instantly as he drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Madison was on her way back, the quiet hum of the car filling the silence. She sighed, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the road ahead. I will confront Jake myself, she resolved.
When she arrived home, she got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Before she could reach for the handle, it swung open from the other side. Her father, Murphy, stood there.
"Madison?" he said, surprised.
"Father? Are you going somewhere?"
"I'm meeting some old friends. They wanted to catch up," he replied.
Madison nodded. "Okay. Goodnight, Father."
He walked past her into the night, and Madison stepped inside. In the living room, she found her older sister, Yuri, deeply focused on a stack of paperwork.
"Yuri," Madison called out gently.
The sound brought Yuri back to reality. "Madison? You're back?"
"Can I help with those?" Madison asked.
"No, thanks. I'm actually just finishing up," Yuri said, patting the empty spot next to her on the couch.
Madison sat down, and Yuri affectionately stroked her hair.
"Where is Allen?" Madison asked.
Yuri's expression instantly soured. "Allen said he had work to do. He's been down at the training grounds ever since he brought you back from school."
"Yes, he even left his phone behind," Madison noted.
"I genuinely hate that guy," Yuri admitted, sighing. "I only tolerate him because Father brought him in."
"Why do you hate him so much?"
"Because he failed to protect you," Yuri said bluntly.
Madison blinked, surprised that Yuri's deep resentment stemmed entirely from a desire to keep her safe.
"Thanks for worrying about me."
"I just can't stand seeing my little sister get hurt," Yuri said, patting her head again. "I always wanted Steve or Victor to be your bodyguard. But Allen... your father treats him with far too many privileges."
Madison nodded thoughtfully. "Hey, Yuri?"
"What is it, my dear Madison?"
"You have been with me since childhood?" Madison asked. She knew Yuri would not have all the answers, but she had to try.
She nodded. "Yes, I have."
"Was there ever a boy who used to play with me? Or look after me?"
Yuri stared blankly for a second, paused, as her memory clicking as, then slowly nodded.
"What?" Madison leaned in. "Who was he?"
"I don't remember him clearly," Yuri admitted, looking away as she recalled the memory. "But I saw him once, late at night, talking with your mother. I could only see his back. That was the first and last time I ever saw that kid."
Madison's eyes widened. "What were they talking about?"
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear anything. I was just peeking through the window. Your mother was holding you, and to me, she looked incredibly sad." Yuri turned her gaze back to Madison. "That's all I know. Why do you ask?"
Madison shook her head quickly. "I... I need to get some sleep," she stammered, bolting up the stairs to her room before Yuri could press further.
The night passed quickly.
Early the next morning, Ethan stepped out of his bedroom, fully dressed in his school uniform.
"Good morning, brother!" Daisy called out cheerfully.
Ethan smiled. "Good morning."
Their mother set plates of breakfast down in front of them. Once they finished eating, Ethan and Daisy grabbed their bags and headed out. They took the elevator down and stepped out of the building into the crisp morning air.
Suddenly, Ethan's gaze locked onto a man walking toward them. The stranger approached and asked, "Can you tell me where Ethan lives?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes defensively, stepping slightly in front of his sister. "I'm Ethan."
The man pulled back his hood and extended his hand. "It's an honor to meet you."
Ethan stared at him, taken aback.
"My name is Benson," the man said, slipping a small card into Ethan's hand. "Come by sometime. Now, you two should head out—I don't want to make you late for class. Bye."
Without another word, the stranger turned and walked away.
Daisy blinked in confusion. "What was that about?"
She looked at the card in Ethan's hand. It was a business card for an MMA gym.
"Let's go," Ethan said quietly, slipping the card into his pocket as they continued their walk to school.