Ryan staggered back as the flashes of the day from eight years ago spiralled out of his memories. He had never forgotten it, never let go of the guilt. He had always carried the weight of it, burying it under the layers of denial.
He had survived by convincing himself that Zeke's death wasn't his fault. That it was the cruel twist of fate beyond his control.
But no matter how much he forced himself to believe it otherwise, deep inside, he knew the truth —the truth that he was responsible for it all. Responsible for Zeke not being here. It was because of him that Zeke died. If not for his actions, he would still be alive.
The weight of his guilt bore down on him, pulling him into a haunting memory that had terrified him for months and had let go of him even after years.
Flashback: