Chapter 164 Pains To Say Goodbye

• Ethan was in the house, but it felt as though he wasn’t. He moved silently, making sure Brandon never set eyes on him. Each night, he checked on everyone: Jacob, Aldo, and Britney, ensuring they were doing well. When it came to Brandon, Ethan would only sneak a glance from the doorway, his heart heavy as he saw Brandon’s pain without being seen himself. Brandon, for his part, was always crying—secretly, quietly, his heart breaking as he tried to hold himself together. The distance between them was unbearable, and the silence, suffocating.
• This went on for over two weeks, and it was slowly destroying everyone. Jacob tried to lighten the mood, but the effort was strained; he was in too much pain, still undergoing physiotherapy as he struggled to regain use of both hands. Each attempt to lift the atmosphere was swallowed by the damage that has already been done.
• Today, though, was the day it would all change. Everyone was leaving.