CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR

ELIZABETH:

Cheryl and I walked into the house, our footsteps echoing through the familiar hallway. It felt like home, but there was always a different energy when Cheryl was with me. She had a way of brightening a room with just her presence, and today was no different—except for the obvious worry plastered on her face.

The moment we stepped inside, Cheryl spotted her brother, Adam, sitting on the couch with his hand wrapped in a makeshift bandage. Her eyes widened, and she rushed towards him in a panic. I followed behind her, watching the way she hovered over him, concern radiating from her.

“Adam, what the hell happened?” she practically shrieked, kneeling in front of him to grab his injured hand. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her hands shook as she inspected the bandage. She was trying to keep it together, but her voice wavered, betraying her emotions. “You have to be more careful! You’re all I’ve got... I can’t lose you.”

I could hear the tears in her voice, se