Cases Uncovered

Epilogue

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RAINE

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you.

Inside the common room, the voices of my peers singing filled the air. I could see their joy on their faces — almost as if they were celebrating for me.

I sank into a seat offered by a few of them, facing a mocha cake that might have been made by Mrs. Nuñez. My emotions went blank, unable to grasp why.

George lit the candles shaped as the numbers one and eight.

So, I am now eighteen. Officially six years since...

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I found myself back in that room, but the people were gone. I knew I had entered my memory palace again.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart." From the darkness, Mom emerged, smiling as she sat before me.

"Mom."

"Our child is all grown up!" Dad's voice came from behind me.

"Dad."

"We can't stay long," Mom said. "We don't want you just staring while everyone celebrates you."

"Oops! Don't start crying!" Dad said, pointing at my eyes. It was then I realized tears were forming again.

I quickly wiped them away, only to return to reality.

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"Make a wish, dear," said Mrs. Nuñez.

A wish? The only thing I truly wished for was justice for the loss of our parents. Today, that had come true.

What more could I wish for?

After a few silent moments, I blew out the flames on the two blue candles.

Everyone clapped, and around me, blue and pink balloons decorated the walls.

"Now let's head to the shop. Your sister Elizabeth left something for us earlier," Mrs. Nuñez said, taking the cake as we moved to the next room through a door in the common room.

There, an array of dishes glistened — macaroni salad, spaghetti, fried chicken, carbonara, and more.

Mrs. Nuñez played some cheerful music, joined by the staff who had returned from vacation.

Everyone enjoyed the meal. I didn't pay much attention to who was there, but I knew there were many.

Before the day ended, I quickly finished my meal. I said goodbye to Mrs. Nuñez and left them enjoying the food.

I went up to the flat and got ready. It was already four o'clock, and I didn't want to be out after dark.

As I opened the door, a colleague stopped me, holding a plate with some cake left on it.

"Where are you off to?" he asked.

"None of your business, Zane," I replied, locking the room behind me.

"Such a grump," he muttered, chewing his cake.

I didn't want to be alone, but it felt like I was pushing people away. Was it because I didn't want to be left alone again?

"Sorry," I said calmly and began walking down. "I'm just visiting someone."

"And where's that?" Once again, he trailed behind me, following without being asked.