Chris stood before Brian's house, his fists clenched tightly by his side. He had mustered all his courage to come here, slipping out without his parents' knowledge. His steps had been heavy, but now he stood in front of the door, heart pounding.
He reached out and pressed the doorbell. The chime echoed, but it was the uncertainty that rattled him more. Honestly, he was trembling—scared of who might answer.
"Great, my shitty luck," he muttered under his breath when the door creaked open to reveal Mrs. Ray—Brian's mother. Of all people, she was the one who answered.
"You…" Mrs. Ray narrowed her eyes, staring down at the boy she believed had ruined her son's path and cost their family money. "What do you want?" she asked coldly, her voice void of any warmth or patience.
Chris dropped to his knees without hesitation. "Please, ma'am. I'm sorry for everything… but my parents—they're suffering. I can't bear to watch it anymore. Please…"
