8
The media coverage made the Everett family Infamous, with people openly shaming them online every day. The internet only fueled the backlash–one comment after another, with scorn practically drowning them. The judgment for Mr. Everett and Claire Bright hadn’t been announced yet, but seeing the public reaction. I finally felt a sense of relief I thought everything had settled
D
announced yet, but seeing the public reaction, I finally felt a sense of relief. I thought everything had settled.
But then, Damon showed up again.
I was out grocery shopping when he cornered me, looking haggard, his head hung low. He just stood there, not saying anything.
Gripping the butterfly knife in my bag, I demanded, “What do you want?”
Damon looked up, his expression complex, voice hoarse. “Callie…”
I said nothing. Was he seriously about to ask for my forgiveness? For Claire and Mr. Everett?
“You…you were reborn, weren’t you?”
My face must’ve given it away as I turned to leave.
“I won’t hurt you!” Damon’s voice broke, almost desperate.
I stopped in my tracks, turning to stare him down. “Damon, you make me sick.”
He didn’t react
to
my insult, accepting it without protest.
“I’m sorry. I regret everything. I…really loved you…”
h
I glared at him, filled
with resentment, and slapped him hard enough to make my hand sting.
Damon dropped
knees in front of me, covering his face as he sobbed.
4
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me that day. I really do regret it…”
I stood over him, looking down with nothing but emptiness inside.
“After you died, I went to turn myself in. I really loved you…”
“All these years, I’ve been suffocating under the weight of this debt to Claire. Turns out, I was the biggest fool. I once liked Claire, but I let go that long ago. Every moment with you was the happiest I’d ever been.”
Learning Claire was his half–sister was something he couldn’t come to terms with. He couldn’t imagine how his supposedly dignified father had betrayed his mother.
In a steady tone, I asked, “Why should anyone else suffer for the debt you feel? What about my ten years, stolen away?”
I couldn’t find a decent job, and even if I managed to get one at a reputable company, I’d get fired for “unknown reasons“-all thanks to Damon’s handiwork.
Damon started sobbing again, telling me he didn’t expect my forgiveness but asking how he could make things right.
I smiled. “Get lost. I never want to see you again.”
Damon’s face went pale, like he was shattering inside.
I went home, where my classmates‘ group chat was abuzz. Everyone was in shock over Mr. Everett’s actions, and some were nervously wondering if their own college spots had been tampered with. A few asked how I was doing now.
treplied simply, “Doing well.”
of
My parents made a big meal to celebrate. They even stayed for a few days before heading back to work. But from that point on, gifts started showing up outside our door–left by Damon.
Every time, I tossed them in the trash. Didn’t he understand? I wanted him out of my life.
Eventually, the gifts stopped coming.
Mr. Everett and Claire’s sentences were finally announced: Claire was detained for five months, and Mr. Everett was sentenced to three years.
actions.
