Revenge After Death

"Leo..." I rushed back to the garden and inquired Leo about Steven's whereabouts. But I didn't know sign language, so I could only gesture.

Leo appeared to have noticed my nervousness, so he pointed at the backyard. I took a deep breath, turned around, and dashed towards the backyard.

The backyard was vast and empty, yet Steven was still nowhere to be found. I had expected to find him in the basement, at that secret base, yet it was also empty. When I came out, I discovered Steven in the corner. He curled up next to the dog cage, cradling Stevie in his arms.

He appeared to be talking to Stevie, murmuring, "Stevie, she doesn't want me anymore..."

I approached him step by step until I was standing right in front of him. "So dirty."

Steven did not raise his head and continued to hold Stevie tightly, his voice trembling with choked sobs. "You don't want me anymore..."

I attempted to speak, yet no words escaped my lips.

"Steve, I'm exhausted," I whispered.

Steven glanced up at me with guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

be good

are you apologizing to

imprison you, should not hurt you, or tie you up," he replied

me, hurt me, and tie me up?" I asked

glanced down and nodded in agreement. I fell silent, unsure of the

"Stephie, I'm afraid you'll leave

who went to see the

and take some rest. I'll search for it. Once I've found it, I will make a copy and show

would be

we need to solve." I glanced at him, yearning for him to abandon his concealed

and I turned and

softly, "Everyone has their own secrets and things

back at him. "Are the

his fists. "Stephie, the one I protect is

entertain his nonsense. Upon returning to the

the murderer... Stephie is