Chapter 66

I took a long, deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, and I knew I needed to say something, to make him believe me.

“I didn't push her, that's true," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "But..."

Clyde’s eyes never left mine, his face set in a serious, unwavering expression. "But what?" he asked, his tone gentle yet firm, urging me to continue.

“But maybe I'm the reason," I admitted, the words spilling out of me in a rush.

Clyde's eyebrows knit together in confusion, but he didn’t interrupt. His silence was a prompt, urging me to explain.

“I mean," I continued, taking another shaky breath, "I didn’t physically push her, but I feel like I might have set things in motion. Maybe if I had acted differently, been more aware, this wouldn’t have happened. Maybe there was something I could have done to prevent it."

And without wasting a second, he said, "No, you're not responsible for her death."

His voice was firm, almost commanding, and it