A month had passed since Mr. Carson first met the Willis sisters, and during that time, his concerns about their well-being had only intensified. The air at Crestview High School felt charged with unspoken tension, especially around Helena.
She had always been a diligent student, her bright spirit and dedication making her a favorite among teachers. But lately, she seemed distracted, and her sister Selena's frequent absences from school did not escape his notice.
Mr. Carson found himself observing Helena more closely during class. He noted the way her brow would furrow in concentration one moment and then cloud with worry the next. She was always quick to help her classmates but seemed to avoid eye contact with him. The more he watched her, the more convinced he became that something was amiss.
One afternoon, as students filed out of the classroom, Mr. Carson called out to Helena, who was gathering her things. "Helena, could I have a word?"
Helena turned, her heart racing. She sensed the gravity in his tone and immediately felt a rush of anxiety. "Of course, Mr. Carson. What's wrong?"
He gestured for her to come closer, and she stepped up to his desk. "I wanted to ask about Selena. I've noticed she's been absent quite a bit lately. Is everything alright at home?"
A wave of panic washed over Helena. She knew her sister had been missing from school more often, but she had no idea why. "Oh, um, she's just been feeling a bit under the weather lately,"
Helena replied, brushing off his concern with a casual tone, hoping to mask the truth. "I'm sure she'll be back in no time."
Mr. Carson's brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers. "Is that so? I hope it's nothing serious. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. It's important to me that my students are taken care of."
Helena swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt wash over her. "Thank you, Mr. Carson, but I assure you, it's nothing to worry about."
As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of the concern etched on Mr. Carson's face. She knew he was trying to help, but the truth was far more complicated than she could admit.
---
After the conversation with Mr. Carson, Helena's worry deepened. She felt the weight of the world on her shoulders as she navigated through school, the pressure of keeping up appearances taking its toll.
It wasn't just the worry for Selena that gnawed at her; it was the fear that Mr. Carson might uncover the truth about their struggles.
Meanwhile, Selena was fully aware of her sister's concerns. Every night, while Helena slept, Selena donned a mask of determination. She had been slipping out into the city under the cover of darkness, exploring leads connected to their father's mysterious downfall. Though it terrified her, the thought of uncovering the truth fueled her resolve.
One particular evening, after slipping out of the house, she navigated the quiet streets with purpose. She had discovered a local café where whispers of their father's past could be found—stories swirling among the patrons about the Aldens and the deals that had gone sour.
Selena wasn't sure what she would uncover, but she was determined to find answers.
In her mind, the image of Helena's worried face played over and over again. "I have to do this for us," she murmured to herself, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. She could almost feel the weight of her sister's dreams resting on her shoulders.
But every time Selena returned home, she found herself battling a fierce guilt. Helena was oblivious to the life Selena was living in the shadows, and that was precisely how Selena wanted it—for now.
She didn't want to burden her sister with worry, especially when Helena was already stretched thin with school and the responsibilities of caring for them both.
---
Back at home, Helena tossed and turned, unable to shake the unease settling in her stomach. She felt as if they were trapped in a web of secrets, and every day brought them closer to being discovered.
She longed to confront Selena about her nighttime excursions but feared it would only drive a wedge between them.
"Selena, please come back soon," she whispered into the darkness, hoping her sister could hear her unspoken plea.
That night, the sisters remained worlds apart, each fighting their own battles—Helena with her worry, and Selena with her quest for the truth. But deep down, both of them held onto a fragile hope that somehow, they could change their fate.