1.2 She let out a breath she’d been holding. "Good," she whispered, squeezing my hand tighter. "That's good. I read things online, that it's… not a place for people. I'm so glad you weren't bullied…" Watching the relief flood her face, the way her eyes grew redder by the second, a bitter, mocking laugh echoed in my head. The one who moved heaven and earth to put me in here… wasn't that you, Pathy? What good was this concern now? She forced a bright smile, tugging me toward a sleek black car like a peace offering. "You always loved a good party, right? I've planned a huge welcome-home celebration for you." "Come on," she said again. "Let's go home." I glanced back at the prison, its grey walls stark against the sky. Nina. That was my new sister’s name. She'd been framed for financial fraud and had another month left on her sentence. We’d made a pact. In one month, I’d be back here, waiting at this very gate to pick her up. We were going to build a life together. But Dad’s old photos and his signet ring were still in that house. I needed them. So, I let Pathy lead me to the car. On the drive, she ran her hand over my shaved head, a gesture that was half a caress, half a warning. "Patrick, no more stealing. You understand? This was your lesson." My fingers curled into a fist. For three years, I’d used the prison guards to pass her countless messages. I didn't steal Ethan's necklace. He framed me. She never believed it. So this time, I didn't bother explaining. I just nodded like a good boy and played along. "I know." A satisfied smile spread across her face. When she pushed open the front door, a party popper exploded with a loud BANG!, showering us in a blizzard of colored streamers. Ethan, the boy I hadn't seen in three years, stood there holding the empty tube, his eyes crinkling with a joyful smile. "Welcome home, big brother!" He laid the affection on thick, his eyes practically overflowing with feigned adoration. He looked nothing like the boy whose face had been twisted with jealousy and venom when he’d accused me of theft. I ignored him, brushing past his shoulder as I walked inside.