Redmption 187


    Derick’s smile froze at my question. He probed, “Uh, why do you ask?”


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    I expressed, “I’d like to visit him.”


    He examined me with a strange look. I didn’t exin any further, let alone mention Chris‘


    involvement withn’s death. I was confident Derick was in the dark about this, or he would’ve


    decisively ended his friendship with Chris.


    “What happened to you?” He didn’t answer my question but showed me concern instead.


    “Why don’t you take me there?” I steered the topic back. Since he was worried about me, I let him


    tag along


    Sensing my strange demeanor, Derick nodded and brought me ton’s grave.


    Coincidentally, we sawn’s parents there and could hear their cries from afar. Other than sobbing,


    we heard some curses too. Although I didn’t catch who they were cursing at, I figured it would be


    Jewel.


    Knowing it would be an inappropriate time to walk over, Derick and I waited until the couple left.


    While walking past us, Alex Goodwin held his frail wife, Teresa Milford. They both looked pale and


    helpless. Teresa sobbed, which tugged at my heartstrings.


    They did not nce at me or Derick, as if the world did not matter anymore when they had lost their


    son.


    Derick watched their retreating figures and sighed. n sure has put them through a lot.”


    My chest tightened at thatment. “It’s notn’s fault.”


    If he had the chance to choose, he wouldn’t have put his parents through such misery. He died in a


    car ident because he had been greatly shocked and overwhelmed by what he saw.


    “Hm?” Derick did not understand me.


    Without saying anything, I walked up ton’s grave with a bouquet in hand. In his picture,n wore a


    smile so dazzling that it could light up the world.


    Yet, a man like him had experienced the most humiliating betrayal. I could only imagine how his


    world had crumbled when he found out.


    “How’s it over there,n? Is there a billiard hall? Are you still good at it?” asked Derick. I stayed


    quiet because I had nothing to say.


    After expressing his thoughts, he noticed my silence and toldn in my stead, “You used to ask


    Maddie


    up with Chris.” when she’s getting married every time you see her. Well, ask no more. She’s


    broken


    He said nothing after that. Throughout the visit, I stood silently and stared atn’s picture on the


    grave. Somehow, I saw his smile slowly fading into sadness, grief, and even anger…


    Taken aback, I instinctively stretched my hand out but my arm tensed up. The next second, Derick’s


    voice sounded. “Madeline, are you okay? Are you dizzy or feeling unwell?”


    “Huh?” I turned to look at him.


    “You don’t look too well. Plus, you lost your bnce and almost fell just now.”


    His words surprised me. Did that really happen? I didn’t notice a thing.


    Considering my state, Derick decided to send me home. As we walked, he advised, “You should


    come to these ces less often. There are many spirits here, and your frall body might not take it


    well.”


    I was speechless. I didn’t believe in such concepts, but I did feel physically sick. As such, I sent


    Xander a leave request and went home.


    That day, I was in a deep slumber. By the time I woke up, the sky had darkened.


    I could vaguely hear some door sounds outside, so I got out of bed and opened the door. Indeed,


    someone was there.