The Sin

Chapter Seven

Three months back....

The quiet, dark highway stretched out before them like a ribbon of shadow, the only sound the low hum of their motorcycles as they sped along. As they rounded a sharp bend, headlights pierced the night, revealing a blockade of flashing police cars ahead. Ben's heart raced as he realized they were caught in the middle of a police operation.

"Stop!" Dash's voice cut through the night, but Ben's laughter mingled with the revving of engines drowned out his friend's warning. Sirens blared, red and blue lights painting the scene in a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Ben, we gotta get out of here!" Dash's frantic scream barely registered over the chaos.

Suddenly, a spotlight illuminated Ben's face, his eyes wide with adrenaline as he realized the gravity of their situation. With a final roar of his engine, he veered off the highway into the darkness, his friends following close behind, the night swallowing them whole. Dash just looked at them disappearing through the darkness.

As Dash revved his engine, the vibration in his pocket jolted him. Pulling over to the side of the road, he dug out his phone. Diana's message flashed on the screen, a sudden weight on his heart. He read her words, each letter heavy with concern for his mother. With a twist of the throttle, he turned his bike around, leaving behind the night ride that beckoned. Thoughts of his sick mother consumed him, propelling him forward, each mile bringing him closer to her.

Upon arrival, the house was shrouded in darkness, casting long shadows across the yard. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hallway. Dash's footsteps echoed as he made his way to his mother's room. Entering, his mother's weak moans pierced the quiet of the night. Dash's heart clenched with fear and determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

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The full moon casts an eerie glow over the park at night, shrouding the playground in the shadows. Dash's heart raced as he confronted Ben, his fists clenched in anger.

"What were you thinking, Ben?" Dash's voice quivered with rage. "You and your friends caused that accident. We need to go to the police and tell them the truth."

Ben shifted uncomfortably, a guilty look flashing across his face. "I-I can't do that, Dash. I can't get in trouble."

Dash's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "You can't just leave someone to suffer because of your stupidity! We have to do the right thing."

A muffled scream echoed in the distance, sending a shiver down their spines. Ben swallowed nervously, his hands trembling. "I-I'm sorry, Dash. I can't..."

Dash let out a frustrated groan, his frustration boiling over. "Fine, if you won't do it, then I will. I won't let you ruin someone's life because of your cowardice."

Ben's heart raced as he faced Dash, his eyes wide with fear. "Please, Dash, you can't go to the police," Ben pleaded, his voice desperate.

Dash hesitated, his brow furrowed in confusion. "But Ben, what you did...it's wrong. You guys are the cause of it," Dash said, his voice wavering.

"I know, I know," Ben whispered, his hands shaking. "But I can't go to jail. I...I have to take care of my brother. He's...he's sick."
Dash's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Ben," Dash said softly, his voice filled with sympathy. Ben took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging with relief. "Promise me, Dash. Promise me you won't say anything about the accident," Ben said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dash nodded slowly, a heavy weight settling in his chest. "I promise," Dash said, his voice tinged with regret. As they stood in the quiet darkness of the park, a heavy silence enveloped them, the only sound of the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.