Love to the Brink, Only Empty Joy

After a long and exhausting journey with Cora's belongings, I finally made it back to my hometown.

Cora had once told me how much she loved this place, especially because of the sea.

All she ever wanted was to play by the seaside with her parents.

But in the end, she never got the chance. She passed before Oliver could ever bring her here to play.

I thought I would have a moment of peace to collect myself, but suddenly, Oliver barged in with people.

Selah was among them.

Oliver glared at me and demanded, "Amber, what have you done? Where is Cora? Where did you take her?"

I stared at him silently.

Now he cared. It was laughable.

"What do you want? Just say it," I responded coldly.

Selah, half-leaning on Oliver, raised an eyebrow.

She sneered, "I shouldn't have left Cora with you. Look at what you've taught her to do."

I was confused.

They didn't seem angry about me leaving without a word or taking Cora.

Instead, it was as if they had come to accuse me of something.

But what could Cora have done to upset them like this?

Oliver sulked, "I know you don't like Selah, but how could you teach Cora to hurt people? That's a line you shouldn't cross!"

He pulled Selah closer and pointed at a small red mark on her wrist.

I was utterly baffled. What did that have to do with Cora?

He continued, "Don't play dumb. Did you tell Cora to put mango in Selah's coffee? You know she's allergic!"

I glanced at the tiny red mark on Selah's hand and almost laughed.

How would I know about her mango allergy, and why would it have anything to do with me?

I asked, "When? Tell me when Cora had the chance to slip something into her coffee."

I kept packing Cora's things.

Oliver hadn't expected such a reaction from me and stepped forward to grab my hand.

"Let go!" I snapped.

I jerked my hand free.

I didn't expect him to pull so hard that I fell.

Cora's things were scattered all over the floor.