The commotion drew glances from everyone nearby. Aaron cleared his throat a few times and looked over. "Simon, you seem out of it."

Simon kept his head down, staring at the blood on his palm where his fingernails had dug in. He masked the bitterness in his eyes.

“Just... family stuff getting to me,” he muttered.

The room fell silent again, everyone quietly focusing on their food.

After dinner, Walter called Dylan aside.

"Go check on your mother. Is your back any better?"

It still wasn't fully healed-just scabbed over.

"Yeah," Dylan replied.

He wheeled himself toward the family shrine. The chapel was a long way from the main hall, down several echoing corridors. Above the door, an ornate plaque read "Ferguson Family Chapel." Inside, a few golden prayer cushions were spread out. Mrs. Ferguson was already kneeling on one, her back straight and composed.

The incense burning here was a special blend-its scent was unique, impossible to find anywhere else.

"Mother," Dylan called softly.

prayer beads. She opened her eyes slowly,

disciplined a few days ago. Are you feeling better?" she

"I'm fine."

incense, and placed it

didn't they say you'd be starting rehab

when she saw his expression. "You used to talk so much more, Dylan. Always so gentle. Ever since you came back that

faded, and she knelt back

so you could be here. You weren't the one who lost everything -you're the lucky one. Your

fingers, her voice softer, as if lost

now-quiet, withdrawn, throwing himself into training like his life depends on it. He thought being sent away was a test, that if he just worked hard enough, someone would eventually come for him. I've never stopped feeling

at her back,

he stopped being part of the Ferguson family.

glanced down

the arms of his wheelchair, eyes lingering on the family

Ferguson got to the real reason she'd called him

was always meant to be

woman who caused your injury,

to meet your brother ever since you found out about him. It's been over twenty years. It's time. I'll make arrangements-you just

alright? I'm sure he has a

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