Ch. I received a video 10 I received a video 10

Chapter 10 No Going Back 

When Samantha spoke, her voice was cracked with tears. She was also trembling so badly that she could barely get the words out. “Sonia, I’m begging you. Bradford University sent a rescission notice. They said both kids had engaged in misconduct. 

“They’ll still have a chance if they take a gap year and apply again. But… what university is ever going to accept their applications if this disciplinary action becomes official?” 

Rachel’s mother, Natalie, grabbed my mother’s hand so hard that she nearly stumbled forward in the effort. 

Natalie’s voice shook so badly she could hardly finish a sentence. 

“We’ll pay whatever compensation you want. Just name your price. Please just write a statement saying it was all a misunderstanding. That everyone was just joshing around. They’re so young. Their lives can’t end like this. 

Silas’ father, Kevin, stood in the back without saying a word. His shoulders were hunched, and his hands were clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white. 

Rachel’s father, Derek, adjusted his glasses. His lips moved to speak, but no words came out. 

My mother stood off to the side, gripping her apron as she turned to look at me. 

My father rose from the dining table, set the garlic cloves he had been peeling on the table, and spoke quietly but firmly. “This is Sonia’s decision to make.” 

I curled my lips into a faint smile as I replied calmly, “Bradford University didn’t rescind their admissions because of anything I said. The security cameras caught them red-handed. The system logs recorded their misdeeds in black and white. 

“The detention order was officially stamped by the police. If you want me to write a statement to forgive them, then you’re asking me to help them commit perjury.” 

I paused before saying firmly, “I’m sorry. I won’t do it.” 

Kevin suddenly dropped into a squat, burying his head in his hands against his knees. He didn’t make a sound, but I could tell that he was crying based on how his shoulders were shaking. 

Natalie broke down sobbing and collapsed against her husband. 

Rachel stood behind them, her lips trembling as tears silently streamed down her face. 

My father walked over and politely helped Natalie toward the door by the arm. “I’m sorry, everyone. Our daughter has made her decision, and as her parents, we respect it.” 

Silas never once looked up even after the door closed right before him. 

The day after the parents left, Silas sought me out. This time, he came alone. 

When I opened the door, he was standing on the stair landing, wearing a clean white T-shirt. 

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He took two steps toward me.’ 

I didn’t move, but I did leave half an open door separating us. 

The hallway window was cracked open. A breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of locust tree leaves from outside. 

“Sonia, just let me say a few things. It’s been 18 years. We’ve known each other since we were kids. When you had a fever, I carried you to the school clinic. When you bombed a test, I stayed with you on the track until 

sunrise. 

“Do you remember back in fifth grade, when your dad was away on a business trip and your mom was working late? You stayed at our house for three days. You woke up crying from a nightmare in the middle of the night, and my mom held you until you calmed down.” 

His voice began to shake, like a taut string that had finally been plucked. 

“Wasn’t my mom good to you? Now, you won’t even speak up for us. You won’t help us at all. What’s my mom supposed to do now? How is she supposed to face me?” 

When I finally spoke, my voice was steadier than I had expected. “Yes, I remember very well that your mom was good to me. I remember all of it. But was it your mom who changed my college application? Did she even know you were going to this?” 

He didn’t answer. His lips moved as though he wanted to say something, but he swallowed the words instead. 

Suddenly, a figure rushed out from around the stairwell. 

Rachel had been hiding downstairs the entire time. So, I was somewhat caught off guard when she suddenly charged up the stairs, her hair in disarray, her makeup completely ruined with black eyeliner smeared across her face like some unhinged war paint. 

She lunged toward the doorway and reached for my sleeve, her nails nearly scraping my wrist. “Sonia! Why won’t you just let us off the hook? You changed your application back, didn’t you? It’s not like you suffered any losses!” 

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