Karl's Perspective

The iron gates of Mary Hill Penitentiary clanged shut behind me, marking the end of eight long years. I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the mid-June sun on my skin. Freedom after long 8 years. I am in my 40s now.

As I walked out, a chorus of catcalls and insults erupted from the prisoners.

"Rat!" someone yelled.

"C*nt!" another voice chimed in.

I was imprisoned because of buying of drugs. My corruption had caused me this sentence.

"I'm out," I muttered to myself. "Finally."

I recalled the prison's stale food – the soggy bread, the bland soup, and the mystery meat. My stomach growled at the memory.

"Never again," I vowed.

My mind drifted back to the past. I'd been a officer at the Mary Hill Police Department, but Chief Rayner had suspended me after Superintendent James found out about my activity with the drug dealer. He suspended me to save his own skin. He is an old man with a red face.

"You're off the force, Karl. At least until this blows over."

I didn't paid enough money to the drug dealer. He hired a hitman to murder my family. Only my daughter Yuno who was 9 was spared. My son Gordon who was 19 and my wife was killed.

The memory still haunted me.

Amelia's car waited for me, a symbol of hope. Her expression was guarded as I approached.

"Karl, please don't hurt her," she said, her voice laced with concern.

"I won't, Amelia. I swear."

Amelia stepped aside, revealing the address on the GPS: Yuno's psychiatrist.

---

Yuno's Perspective

June 12th

I trudged along the sidewalk, my backpack weighing me down. School had just let out, and I had a session with Dr. Lee. The sun beat down on me, its warmth suffocating. The humidity made my skin prickle.

As I walked, the smell of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass filled the air. It was a beautiful day, but my mind wasn't on the weather. It was on the nightmares.

At school, my friends tried to engage me, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness. Timothée, with his messy brown hair and warm smile, caught up with me.

"Hey, Yuno! What's up?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

"Just heading to Dr. Lee's," I replied, trying to sound casual.

Timothée walked alongside me. "You know, I've been thinking... maybe we can study together for the exams? I can come over to your place."

I smiled politely, knowing he had a crush on me. "I'll ask Amelia."

Timothée's face lit up. "That would be awesome!"

As we approached the psychiatrist's office, Timothée's expression turned serious. "Yuno, I've been wanting to ask you something. About... that night."

My heart skipped a beat. No one ever mentioned it.

"What about it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Timothée's eyes locked onto mine. "I'm so sorry, Yuno. I was at the party that night. I saw... everything. I wish I could've done something."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. No one had ever acknowledged the horror I'd endured.

Timothée's hand brushed against mine. "You're safe now, Yuno. I'm here for you."

For a moment, the nightmares receded, replaced by Timothée's kindness.

---

After the session, Amelia was waiting for me in the lobby.

"Yuno, someone's here to see you," Amelia said, her expression cautious.

My heart skipped a beat. Who could it be?

We returned home, Karl waiting in the living room. His eyes, filled with a mix of hope and desperation, met mine.

We sat down to eat, the tension palpable. Dad tried to make small talk, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

"Yuno, do you remember your brother's birthday?" Karl asked, his voice cheerful.

Everything stopped.

The room began to spin.

I felt myself being pulled back into that night.

Amelia's voice cut through the haze. "Karl, stop. Now."

Karl's eyes widened in realization.

"Yuno, I'm sorry," he whispered.

But it was too late.

The memories flooded back.

I pushed my chair away, my eyes fixed on Karl.

"Get out," Amelia said firmly. "Now."

Karl's face fell, but he nodded.

"I'll leave," he said quietly. "