Days later, a court summons arrived. The news spread through town like wildfire.
People who once greeted Clara with smiles now crossed the street to avoid her. Her name was whispered only in scandalous tones.
What hurt most wasn’t the gossip—it was Ethan’s absence. She missed his laughter, his endless questions, the way he’d throw his arms around her neck after school. Then, one gray morning, a soft knock sounded at her door.
When she opened it, there stood Ethan.
“Clara!” he cried, running into her arms. “Grandma says you’re bad, but I don’t believe her. The house feels empty without you.”
Tears filled Clara’s eyes as she held him close. “Oh, Ethan… I miss you too.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small photo of their joined hands. “I kept this. So you won’t forget me.”
For the first time in days, Clara’s shattered world flickered with light again.
