When they got to Charlotte's house, the urgency of the escape gave way to a chilling silence. Charlotte immediately went to the kitchen and brought King a glass of water. He took only a small sip before placing it on the table, his hands shaking slightly.
A minute later, Charlotte sat across from him. "King, are you okay?"
"Yes," he replied, his voice flat. "I'm fine."
Charlotte leaned forward, her expression warm and non-judgmental. "I know you too well, King. I can sense how you're feeling right now, and I don't want you to keep it bottled up. I'm your friend, and I promise I will never, ever judge you for what you've been through."
King covered his eyes with one hand, a desperate attempt to contain the torrent of emotion.
"Are you really okay, King?" Charlotte gently pressed.
He lowered his hand and looked at her for a moment, his eyes red and swollen, before the facade crumbled. He broke into deep, rattling sobs.
