177 — JULIAN ADAMS (POV)

My nerves are on edge. I’m so stressed that I shift my leg constantly, oblivious to my brothers’ fun conversations going on around me. I can’t concentrate on what they say when Angelee is alone with my mother. I know Mom is not someone who would hurt her, still-

Suddenly, a child’s childish cries reach my ears. I know this shouldn’t be possible since so many years have passed, but I can actually hear it, almost like I’m back in the past. And with each step toward Jessica’s cries, in this mansion that was empty that day, everything around me grows darker. The lights are going out in my walk… But my little sister’s desperate screams only get louder.

In front of that white door, my breathing becomes heavy. I know I should just burst open it, but I’m frozen in place, aware of every drop of sweat that slides down my spine under my shirt. Deep down, I know what’s happening on the other side; it’s Jack&rsquo