DEVIS HOUSE – MAIN HALL
Jonathan was still crying when he noticed Justin walking down the stairs.
He immediately wiped his eyes and pretended nothing had happened.
Jonathan: "Hmm… What is it, Justin?" 🥺
Justin: "Dad, I want to ask you something." 😊
Jonathan: "Go ahead."
Justin took a deep breath.
Justin: "Why did Mom leave me?"
Everyone: 😱
Jonathan froze.
After a moment, he stood up.
Jonathan: "Ask her yourself. She'll be here by tomorrow morning."
Justin: "Huh…?" 😶
Wait. She's coming here to answer that question?
Steve blinked.
Steve: "Brother, it takes two days to travel here. Even by car!"
Jonathan gave a tired smile.
Jonathan: "Never underestimate her. She'll arrive quickly."
He walked away.
Justin stared after him.
Justin: "What kind of parents do I have…?" 😵
NIGHT – JUSTIN'S ROOM
Justin was lying on his bed, researching Amber on his phone.
He had opened several articles about the William family and was trying to understand his mother's background.
Suddenly, two heads appeared around his bedroom door.
Thomas and Emily.
Justin: "What are you two doing? Planning a robbery?" 😑
Thomas: "We came to check on you, idiot!"
Emily: "Thomas was worried about you."
Thomas: "HEY! Don't expose me!"
Justin chuckled.
Justin: "What's wrong?"
Thomas hesitated before speaking.
Thomas: "Are you avoiding school because of that bully?"
Justin blinked.
Oh, damn. I completely forgot about that guy.
Emily: "Don't worry. If he bothers you again, we'll deal with him together."
Thomas: "Exactly! Three against one. Let's see how brave he is then!"
Justin looked at them.
These two had always cared about him.
Yet in his previous life, he had kept everyone at a distance.
He suddenly pulled both of them into a tight hug.
Thomas: "WHAT THE HELL?!"
Emily: "Are you sick?"
Justin: "Can't I hug my siblings?"
Thomas: "You can, but at least give us a warning!"
Justin (thinking): They always cared about me. I was the one who pushed them away. Maybe I was wrong too.
Megan entered, smiling.
Megan: "Alright, you three! Stop occupying the bedroom and come downstairs for dinner."
Emily: "Coming!"
Thomas: "Let go of me first!"
Justin: "Nope." 😁
DINNER TABLE
Everyone was eating peacefully.
Suddenly—
Justin: "AHHHHH!" 😨
His fork fell from his hand.
Everyone: "JUSTIN?!"
Jonathan: "What happened?!"
Justin: "It hurts! My chest!"
Jonathan immediately rushed towards him.
Jonathan: "WHERE?! SHOW ME!"
Justin pressed his hand against his chest.
Jonathan carefully pulled his shirt aside.
Everyone froze.
A black mark had appeared across Justin's chest. Dark veins spread outward, while its centre glowed deep red, pulsing like something alive.
Justin: "AHHHH!" 😭
Jonathan: "OH MY GOD! JUSTIN!"
Steve: "CALL AN AMBULANCE!"
Joseph: "HURRY!"
Jonathan lifted his son into his arms and rushed towards the waiting ambulance.
HOSPITAL
The doctors immediately took Justin inside.
Jonathan: "Doctor! What's happening to my son?!"
Doctor: "He's stable for now. We've given him medication for the pain. However, this mark is unusual. I've never encountered anything like it."
Doctor: "How long has it been there?"
Steve: "It appeared just now!"
The doctor frowned.
Doctor: "We'll conduct further tests. I'll inform you when we know more."
Outside the room, Joseph spoke quietly.
Joseph: "Should we inform Amber?"
Lauren: "She's travelling! We shouldn't frighten her while she's on the road."
Grandfather: "Lauren is right. We'll tell her when she arrives."
Jonathan hesitated before nodding.
Jonathan: "…Okay."
Lauren: "We'll stay with you."
Jonathan: "Please… let me stay with him."
Everyone eventually left.
Jonathan sat beside Justin, holding his hand. He cried quietly throughout the night until exhaustion finally overcame him.
MORNING – HOSPITAL ROOM
Sunlight touched Jonathan's face.
He slowly opened his eyes.
Then froze.
A woman was sitting beside Justin.
Justin was holding her hand even while unconscious.
Jonathan: "A… Amber?" 😱
Amber looked up.
Amber: "Oh? You finally woke up. I thought it would take another fifteen years."
Jonathan: "You…"
Amber: "Freshen up. I'll stay with him."
Jonathan walked out, still shocked by her sudden arrival.
Amber turned towards Justin.
Her eyes settled on the black mark.
She gently brushed his hair away from his forehead.
Amber: "What happened to you, sweetheart? Did you cry all night?"
She touched his cheek.
Amber: "Does it hurt?"
Her voice was soft, filled with a mother's concern.
Justin slowly stirred.
His eyelashes trembled.
TO BE CONTINUED…