THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

ip first blossomed. As classmates, they spent countless hours exploring the rol

ag with Aaron, his messy brown hair sticking to his forehead as he chased h

had passed away in the labor room, giving birth to her younger sister, Rose.

pouring all his love and energy into raising Riley and Rose. Riley admired her father's strength and resilience,

ng out for Rose and ensuring her happiness. She would do anything to put a

y. He would often join them for dinner, and Riley's father wo

iendship. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about the

thin her heart. All she knew was that she was happy to have A

, and their friendship would soon be test

he same high school, participated in the same extracurricular activities, and even started a band toget

merized by the music and the way Riley's voice soared. She'd sit quietly, taking it al

nd teaching them about the classics. Those were special moments, filled with

erent light, and she couldn't help but notice the way he looked at her. It was as if

aron turned to Riley and asked her to meet him at the old oak tree th

d what he might want to say. Was it somethi

't wait to

heart racing with anticipation. Aaron was already the

, smiling as s

sense of nervous excitement. "What's

ng. "Riley, I've been wanting to talk

her curios

like to go out with me?" Aaron a

She hadn't expected this, but

" she said, s

up with a radia

ling a sense of j

e summer evening, Riley knew that this was jus

a dramatic turn, one that would test the bonds of their

ssomed. They spent every spare moment together, exploring the tow

her sister so happy. She'd often tag along on their dates,

him to attend college abroad. Riley tried to be supportive, but

ron promised, holding her close. "We'

to hide her tears. "I

of sadness wash over her. She knew that their relationship wou

Aaron's departure would set off a chain of even

rrived, and Riley accompanied him to t

's hands in his. "I'll be back soon, I prom

to smile. "I'll be he

e Aaron turned and walked through th

over her. She knew that their relationship would face

ey felt a hand on her shoul

th compassion. "But Aaron will be back before you know it. A

titude towards her father. "Thanks,

a sense of determination wash over her. She wo

ing wasn't easy. She missed Aaron terribly, and the distanc