Their Perfect Lie, My Unseen Truth

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cold marsh water, yet their words, their dismissive glances, they cut deeper than any physical

ion, turned to his wife. "Deb, what are

the head, extensive. Multiple stab wounds, post-mortem mutilation to obscure identity. Body was dumped here

d upon me as if she were reading from a textbook, her voic

r me once more. "Or someone trying to make it look professional. They wan

rare sign of agitation. He lit it, the flame a brief, defiant spark against th

ream in the vast emptiness around them. And you're wor

stepping forward cautiously, "smoking is p

mmand to back off. The officer st

to either of you?" the officer asked,

o blend together in this city. She looks like all the others who frequent th

ys running off, getting into trouble. Probably another one who

etched with concern. "Erasmo, maybe you should take a break. You loo

Kids these days, no respect for anything. My Fawn, for instance. Always c

king sound. "She used to bring me coffee, you know. When I worked late. Strong,

in to hope, then a fresh wave of despair. You rememb

rasmo, Fawn is different. She's got a good heart, just...

g to be difficult. Missing Hope's recital. Again. The biggest night of Hope's life, and

don't know why you even bother with that child. She never appreciates anything. Hope,

e in their world. The shadow, the disappointment, t

in, his voice hardening. "She knew. But no, Fawn always

s trying to call you. I was trying to tell you I was in trouble. But you

as already gone. When Hope was bowing to thunderous applause, acc

lect. They were complaining about my absence, about my "ghosting" the family, while the very gho