CHAPTER 35

 EMERSON

As I recounted the events surrounding Jules to Evan, a peculiar expression flickered across his face, perhaps embarrassment or a hidden secret. I couldn't shake off the feeling that Evan was familiar with the pain I was experiencing. Life, with its constant ebb and flow,teaches us that people come and go, that it's the nature of existence.

Evan offered words of consolation, reminding me that Jules was now in a better place, free from the burdens of this world. Despite the gravity of the situation, Evan's attempt to ease my pain with those words was a comfort.

"There's something for you," Evan announced suddenly, guiding me to his art studio without waiting for my response. There, a beautiful portrait of me took center stage. Evan asked if I liked it, to which I responded positively, though I playfully teased about the portrayal of my nose.

"But you don't need to make my portrait to take your revenge," Evan said, to which I cheekily replied, "Sure, I will make it. I'm so kind, you know." Evan reciprocated with a high-five, which I missed, resulting in a playful arm slap that sent me stumbling backward, colliding with what seemed like a painting. Laughter filled the room until I looked at the artwork that had broken my fall.

It was the same painting Evan had warned me not to see - a portrait of Jules. The shock hit me like a wave, and without waiting for explanations I won't believe this you killed her! You killed my Jules you are just like your father A criminal I start yelling at him, I raced towards the stairs.

"No, no, no, Emerson, listen to me. I didn't," Evan's desperate shouts echoed behind me, but I refused to stop. My reply cut through the air, "I thought you were different, at least different from Gary, but now I know Gary is better than you. He only broke my heart, but you broke my soul." With those words, I stormed out of his house, leaving behind a shattered connection.