Mother's Remorse After My Death

While my mom was conducting the autopsy, the police fanned out and quickly traced the two bags of meat back to Mark, the cafeteria's food supplier.

Mark was promptly brought in for questioning at the station.

He looked utterly bewildered, having no clue what was going on until the cops mentioned the gruesome murder and dismemberment case.

Scared out of his wits, he nearly dropped to his knees, stumbling over his words, "Officer, I swear I had no idea! When I got there this morning, the meat was already laid out on the cutting board. I just assumed it was a delivery from the meat factory, so I brought it over like usual. Honest, that's all I know!"

After a thorough grilling, Captain Lynn was satisfied that Mark was in the clear.

Unfortunately, the lack of security cameras around Mark's shop meant the trail went cold there.

With the victim's identity still a mystery, Captain Lynn knew they'd have to wait for the DNA results, which could take up to three days.

The mood was tense at the case briefing, everyone's frustration palpable.

This was the most heinous crime the city had seen in nearly a decade, the killer's brazen body dump a clear taunt to the police. The higher-ups were taking it extremely seriously, putting the pressure on Captain Lynn to crack the case fast.

After the meeting, Captain Lynn suddenly remembered something.

He slowed his pace and walked alongside my mother. "I heard the college entrance exam results are out. How did Simon do? I've heard he was ranked first in his grade every time before."

At the mention of my name, a flicker of disgust crossed my mother's face. "Don't bring him up in front of me. Whether he's alive or dead, whether he did well or not, it's none of my concern."

Captain Lynn hesitated for a moment.

After a long pause, he sighed. "Johnson has been gone for so many years. You really should let it go. Simon is still your son, and he's had a tough time these past eight years with you ignoring him."

Mentioning Johnson made my mother's eyes well up with tears. "If it weren't for him, Johnson wouldn't have died. Shawn wouldn't have lost his father. It's all his fault. He's a murderer. Unless he's dead, I'll never forgive him in this lifetime!"

Her response hit me like a punch to the gut.

For eight years, no matter how much I tried to explain, she still believed I was the one who killed Johnson.

When I was three, my parents divorced, and shortly after, she married Johnson. She was the youngest, most talented forensic scientist in the city, while he was the captain of the police force who solved countless tough cases.

They worked together seamlessly and were planning to get married.

But just before the wedding, Johnson died. My mother blamed me for taking away her beloved and for leaving Shawn an orphan.

She kicked me out of the house and adopted Shawn, pouring all her motherly love into him.

Over the years, I barely managed to survive until I turned eighteen, thanks to the support of the senior officers in the police force and my teachers.

I hugged my knees tightly, crouching in the corner.

Desperately hoping that now that I've fulfilled your wish, Mom, can you finally forgive me?