Keira arrived in the hallway outside old Mr. Sims' office.
When she last visited, the area was still open and not sealed off. Now, it was blocked, restricting entry to unauthorized personnel.
Holly's footsteps were unsteady, reflecting her anxiety.
They reached old Mr. Sims' office, where Holly hesitated at the door, prompting Keira to push it open.
Inside, they found an elderly man.
His full head of silver hair and wrinkled face still held traces of the authority he once commanded.
As he stood watering the plants and not looking at them, he said, "I've admitted my crimes already. There's no need to come and ask again."
Holly began to tremble.
Despite everyone saying old Mr. Sims had confessed, she never believed it.
But hearing those words from her grandfather's mouth made her feel as though her world was collapsing.
She staggered forward, her voice trembling. "Grandpa, it's not like that."
