Mother's True Love.

Shattered Reflections.

The night grew deeper, and the dim light in the living room cast a soft glow on Nathan, who remained distant on the couch. Emily, Alex, and Sarah settled into a corner of the room, attempting to ease the tension that hung heavily in the air. Amy, Nathan's mother, sat down with them, her expression a mix of worry and sorrow.

"I'm sorry for the way he is right now," Amy began, her voice trembling slightly. "He's been through so much since that night."

Emily leaned forward, eager to listen. "What do you mean? What happened after... after Jules died?"

Amy took a deep breath, her eyes glossing over as memories flooded back. "That night was a nightmare. Nathan found out about Jules when I came home late from work. I could tell something was off when I walked through the door. He was pacing back and forth, his phone in his hand."

"He didn't say anything?" Sarah asked, her curiosity piqued.

"No," Amy replied, shaking her head. "Not at first. It was like he was holding his breath. But then he saw the news on TV—the reports of Jules's death. I'll never forget the look on his face. He was shattered."

Emily felt a pang in her chest. "What did he do?"

Amy's hands trembled as she recounted the night. "He screamed. I mean, really screamed. It was like all the air left the room. I tried to comfort him, but he pushed me away. He kept shouting her name, and all I could do was stand there, helpless."

"What about after that?" Alex asked gently. "Did you manage to talk to him?"

"For days, he just shut down. I couldn't get through to him," Amy continued, her voice cracking. "He wouldn't eat, wouldn't sleep. He was furious at the world, at everyone around him. It was like he was possessed by his grief. I thought I might lose him, too."

Emily exchanged glances with Alex and Sarah, feeling the weight of Amy's words. "But what about now? What does he think happened?" she pressed, desperate for insight.

"After a few days, Nathan finally opened up. He said he felt betrayed by everyone," Amy explained, her eyes clouded with emotion. "He wanted to know who pushed Jules to that point. He was furious—at himself for not seeing the signs, and at the people around her. He wanted to uncover the truth behind her death, to find out who was responsible."

Emily's heart raced at the thought. Nathan was searching for answers just like they were. "Did he mention anyone in particular? Did he ever talk about Jules's struggles?"

Amy nodded slowly, tears forming in her eyes. "He mentioned some names—people from school, people who bullied her online. But he was always hesitant to share the details. He felt like he was stepping on broken glass every time he tried to talk about it."

As Amy shared her memories, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that they were all caught in the same web of grief and confusion. It was clear that Nathan had cared deeply for Jules, and the weight of her loss was something he couldn't easily shake off.

"Why didn't you tell the police about this?" Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I was afraid they wouldn't take him seriously," Amy confessed, wiping her tears away. "I thought they'd just see him as another heartbroken teenager. But he wasn't just heartbroken; he was searching for something. He still is."

The room fell silent as the gravity of their conversation sank in. They were no longer just pursuing a lead; they were entwined in a complex tapestry of emotions, each thread a reminder of the lives that had been irrevocably altered.

As the night wore on, Emily felt a renewed sense of purpose. Nathan needed help, and maybe together, they could uncover the truth that had taken Jules away. She glanced at Nathan, who sat lost in his thoughts, and felt a flicker of hope. Tomorrow, they would start anew.