Page 154 of Closer

I stride into the kitchen and take the cupcakes out of the oven, inhaling deeply. They smell heavenly, just like in the memory. My stomach grumbles, reminding me it’s well past lunchtime.

I whip up a quick sandwich and pour myself a glass of iced tea, then settle at the kitchen island.

Maybe if I go back, I’ll remember more.

I finish my sandwich and resume sewing, but my mind wanders back to the idea of visiting my childhood home. It’s been ages since I set foot in that place.

Part of me yearns to go back, to see if being there will unlock more memories like the one I just had. To feel that connection to my parents again, even if it’s fleeting.

But another part of me is terrified. Terrified of what else I might remember. Terrified that instead of happy moments, I’ll be assaulted by the pain and grief of the monsters lurking.

The red room. I shake my head, trying to dislodge the images. I don’t want to remember that. Yet…

There’s a flicker of hope in my chest. A tiny ember that refuses to be extinguished. Maybe, just maybe, going back will help me find peace. Help me lay those monsters to rest and remember my parents as they were before the accident.

Alive. Happy. Loving.

I want that.

But I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to face it alone.

I need Sebastian. I need his strength, his support. I need him by my side, holding my hand.

Hours go by, and I stand in the kitchen again to prepare dinner.

I’m about to type a message to Sebastian when a notification pops up.

Sebastian: Don’t wait up for me, princess. Stuck at the office.

I frown at the screen. No way am I letting him work himself to the bone. I pack up the food, ready to bring a little comfort to his undoubtedly stressful night.

The office is eerily quiet when I arrive, most of the lights extinguished for the night. I navigate the hallways, trying to remember the route to Sebastian’s office, the kind security guard at the entrance told me.

At the end of the corridor, a single light glows behind frosted glass. I draw closer, and muffled voices reach my ears.

“Cut the crap and end it.”

Isn’t that John? What the hell is going on?

I inch forward.

“You should cut the crap. I know everything,” Sebastian says.

“And she? Does she know? If you love her so much, why didn’t you tell her the truth yet?”

“You mean that you and her uncle manipulated us?”

What is he talking about?

John chuckles. “How about the fact that you killed her father.”

I gasp, my hand flying up to cover my mouth.

The silence is deafening until footsteps approach the door. It opens, and I stand frozen as Sebastian appears.

“Lil? What are you doing here?” His brow furrows.

I hold up the takeout bag with a shaky hand. “I… I wanted to surprise you again.”

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