Joseph stretched his arms, letting out a long breath.
Joseph:
"…After all that happened… life didn't stop.
Megan sis gave birth to you twins.
I married Lauren, just like Mother promised.
And now… here we are."
The children sat in total silence.
---
🌑 Their Reactions
They had heard stories before —
stories about Amber being terrifying, unstoppable, dangerous.
But now, hearing the truth…
They realized something very different.
One was impressed — by her strength.
One was motivated — wanting to be like her.
One was scared — truly scared of her power.
One finally understood the truth behind Amber's decisions.
And one was completely confused — all emotions mixing at once.
Joseph stood up, brushing the dust off his pants.
Joseph:
"Alright… listen carefully.
Don't tell anyone that I told you this story, okay?"
The children nodded.
Joseph:
"Good. Now go to sleep.
Good night."
He walked away quietly, leaving the kids under the same blanket.
---
🌑 The Kids Turn Toward Justin
The moment Joseph disappeared around the corner,
every pair of eyes turned to Justin.
Emily:
"Justin…?"
He blinked, half lost.
Justin:
"Huh…? What…?"
Emily moved closer.
Emily:
"You're very lucky, you know."
Her voice was soft.
"To have a mother like her."
Justin froze.
Emily:
"She didn't abandon you.
She protected everyone… even when the whole world was against her."
She swallowed.
"You should forgive her, Justin.
Your mother is… an incredible woman."
Justin couldn't bring out words.
Justin:
"I… I—"
Thomas placed a hand on Justin's shoulder.
Thomas:
"Looks like she wasn't wrong after all."
He gave a gentle smile.
"She was trying to survive.
Trying to save the people she cared about."
Justin lowered his head, eyes trembling.
---
🌑 What Justin Feels
For the first time…
He didn't feel abandoned.
He didn't feel angry.
He didn't feel confused.
He felt something new.
Pride.
And longing.
And a sudden, painful love.
---continue