𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑴𝑬

𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌

Bright's POV

I watched Grace enjoy her ice cream, noticing the slight shyness in her demeanor. Once she finished, I settled the bill, and we stepped out of the shop together.

"By the way, thank you so much for helping Win," I said, genuinely appreciative.

"It was nothing," she replied, waving it off.

"Don't say that. You know Win is a bit introverted. When our mom was alive, he would open up to her all the time, and he was more social back then. But since she passed, he's changed so much. After school, he goes straight to his room, and when I ask about his day, he always says he's fine, even when I know he's not," I explained, my heart heavy with concern for my brother.

Grace listened quietly, her expression thoughtful. "I think he really likes you and trusts you because he feels comfortable around you," I added, hoping to reassure her. She smiled, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"But what did you tell him when your parents... died?" she asked softly.

"I couldn't tell him the truth. He was only four years old; he wouldn't have understood," I replied, the memory tugging at me.

FLASH BACK

I was playing in the garden with Win, enjoying a carefree moment while Bella looked after Mick. Our parents were out, and the world felt bright and safe. Suddenly, my phone rang, and I glanced at the screen...an unknown number.

"Hello?" I answered, my curiosity piqued.

"Good morning. Are you the son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith?" a girl's voice asked, and a knot tightened in my stomach.

"Yes, I'm Bright Smith. What's wrong?" I felt the worry rise within me.

"Sir, your parents are at the hospital. They've been in an accident. Please come quickly. The hospital is XXXXXX."

My heart sank, and I felt the ground shift beneath me. Just as I was about to leave, Win grabbed my hand, his eyes wide and innocent.

"Bright, where are you going?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"Listen, angel, I need to go because our parents need me, okay?" I said gently, but he wouldn't let go.

"Bright, don't leave me alone! I want to go with you," he pleaded. I couldn't deny him, so I nodded and led him to my car, driving as fast as I could.

When we arrived, a girl approached us. "Are you two the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Smith?" she asked. I nodded, and she guided us to the emergency room.

"Please wait here; the doctor is still treating your parents," she instructed before leaving. Time seemed to stretch as we waited, my anxiety mounting.

Twenty minutes later, the doctor appeared, his expression grave. "Good morning. Are you their children?"

"Yes, how are my parents? How's my dad? My mom?" I fired off the questions, desperation in my voice.

The doctor looked down, and my heart sank. "Apparently, they didn't tell you yet," he said.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice rising. I grabbed his collar in a panic.

"Sir, your father died before he could be brought here," he said. The words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I held back my tears because Win was right there.

"What about my mother?" I managed to ask, my voice shaking.

"We're sorry. We tried to save her, but it was too late. Excuse me," he said before walking away.