REPEATED MISTAKES

Chapter 10: Troy is Not Coming.

Chapter 10: Troy is Not Coming

Tony stood quietly on the stairs, listening to every word, watching their every move. He knew he had to step in soon.

"Who was that?" Sarah asked, grinning as she tapped Travis lightly on the back. "Want something to drink?"

Travis noticed her quick subject change but, for some reason, didn't feel like pressing her. He just felt like saying hi and heading home.

"Tyler's burial is in three months," he finally said.

"Okay, I'll attend," Sarah replied, adding, "I'll bring my sister along." She continued wiping down the cabinet, her tone almost dismissive.

Travis felt something inside him go cold, a strange sense of loss. He stared at her for a long moment, then left. Outside, he recognized the feeling-a haunting, familiar dread he'd felt as a child whenever he'd see a strange figure perched on his roof in a jet-black robe. The memory twisted his thoughts until his head ached. He had to call his brother. Something wasn't right.

Upstairs, Tony was sitting on Sarah's bed, watching her.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"Just someone," she replied nonchalantly as she began undressing to get in the shower.

"Invite me," Tony murmured with a smirk, his gaze lingering as she walked away.

...
Later, Sarah came out with a wide, satisfied grin. "That was good," she said.

Tony gave a proud nod to himself. "Her first time was with me," he thought. He passed her the cigarette he'd been smoking, and she took a drag, coughing before falling asleep beside him.

He looked at her, chuckling darkly to himself. "I've corrupted this little girl," he thought, closing her bedroom door with a devilish grin. With his hands clasped behind him, he walked away slowly.

Outside, Tyler was waiting, an irritated look on his face. "Are you done defiling your son's girlfriend?"

"Yes," Tony answered, a twisted pride in his tone.

Tyler couldn't see his brother's face, but he knew that idiot was probably smiling.

They made their way to the rooftop, struggling to summon their elder brother, Troy, yet to no avail. Tyler, filled with sadness, kept glancing at the sky, hoping Troy would come-even if it was only to say goodbye at his funeral.

"Maybe he's dead," Tony suggested coldly.

"No... that can't be." Tyler's face fell. He couldn't bear the thought. "When was the last time you spoke to him?"

Tony shrugged. "I can't remember," he replied, almost reassuring himself. Part of him hoped Troy was truly gone-for good.