Chapter 3 - A Boy Who Cried

The backup and ambulance arrived after what felt like an eternity. Twenty minutes had passed, but for Alex and Emma, time had stretched unbearably. It was too late—the woman had succumbed to her injuries before help could reach her. Her final, barely audible words remained a mystery, lost to the void.

The police cordoned off the area, declaring the apartment a crime scene, and immediately began their investigation. Shaking off the initial shock, Alex and Emma composed themselves, regaining their professionalism as they assisted in gathering evidence.

Inside the patrol car, the boy sat in silence, his swollen, tear-streaked face pressed against the window as he watched his father's body being loaded into an ambulance. His sobs had become quieter, but his small frame still trembled. Beside him, Jia remained eerily still, lost in her own thoughts. A single question echoed in her mind, repeating over and over like a broken record:

Did he smile?

She had seen it—hadn't she? That fleeting, unnatural expression amidst the horror. But how could that be? The boy was still crying, his body weak from grief. Had her mind played tricks on her? Was it an illusion born from the sheer terror of the scene? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a storm of unease swirling inside her chest.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Jia from her trance. Alex and Emma had returned, their expressions softened as they crouched slightly to meet the children's eye level.

Emma: "Are you kids okay? I'm so sorry you had to see something so awful… No child should have to witness that."

Alex gave a reassuring nod.

Alex: "You're safe now. We'll take you to the station for some routine questions. It's just a standard procedure, so there's nothing to worry about." He reached out, gently patting Jia's head.

But before he could continue, the boy suddenly burst out, his voice hoarse with desperation.

Cain: "NO! I DON'T WANNA GO! WHAT ABOUT MY FATHER?!"

The two officers exchanged a brief glance, momentarily struggling to find the right words. Emma's usual warm demeanor faltered. She hesitated before speaking, unable to meet the boy's gaze.

Emma: "Your father… is no longer with us. I'm so sorry."

The words felt like a knife twisting in her chest. Having to break such news to a child was always gut-wrenching, but this was different. This boy, barely sixteen, had not only lost his mother in the most brutal way imaginable but had also watched his father die before his eyes.

Alex, typically hardened by years of seeing death, softened slightly.

Alex: "I know this is hard, kid. I really do. And if we had gotten here earlier, maybe… maybe things could've been different. But I need you to understand there's nothing we can do now. I'm sorry."

Cain swallowed his sobs, his small hands curling into fists on his lap. Finally, he gave a slow, reluctant nod.

Emma turned to Jia, her voice gentle.

Emma: "And you? Are you okay?"

Jia blinked, snapping out of her thoughts.

Jia: "O-oh… yeah. I'm fine. It's just…"

Her voice trailed off.

Emma: "Don't worry. You're safe now."

With that, the officers ushered them into the car and drove to the station.

After some time they reached the station and put the kids in the a interrogation room

The room was cold and clinical, its walls painted a dull gray. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting a sterile glow over the metal table where Cain and Jia sat.

Emma took notes diligently, recording every detail as Cain answered their questions.

What happened?

Why was your father chasing you?

Who was the woman in the apartment?

Cain's answers came smoothly, his voice trembling just enough to sound convincingly distraught.

Cain: "She was my mom. My dad… he was always drunk. He-he hurt her. He hurt me. And today, I tried to stop him, but… he got angry. He came after me. I ran. I didn't know he would fall…"

He broke into sobs, his face buried in his hands. Emma's heart clenched.

Alex, however, remained unreadable. His gaze was sharp, calculating, as he listened intently. Then, after a long pause, he reached into his pocket and placed a photograph on the table.

Alex: "Cain, you said your parents lost everything to debt, right?"

Cain sniffled and nodded.

Alex: "Then tell me… do you recognize these people?"

Cain lifted his head, his swollen eyes locking onto the photo.

For a moment, silence hung thick in the air. Then, without hesitation, he spoke.

Cain: "Yes. They're my parents."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Emma's pen froze mid-scribble.

Emma: "Wait… what?"

The photograph depicted a sophisticated, well-dressed couple, elegant, polished, and wealthy. Their refined appearance was a stark contrast to the filthy, battered bodies found in that apartment.

Emma: "You're saying… those two are your parents?"

Cain: "Yes. They used to be rich. But they lost everything before I was born. Debts ruined them. And… they changed."

Emma scrambled to write everything down, her hands slightly shaky. Something about this case wasn't adding up.

Meanwhile, Alex turned his attention to Jia.

Alex: "Alright, your turn. Tell us everything from the beginning."

Jia hesitated, gathering her thoughts before recounting the events. As she described the man's death, Cain sniffled softly beside her, his quiet sobs filling the room.

Then, she stopped.

Alex caught the hesitation instantly.

Alex: "You helped turn the body over, right?"

Jia's pulse quickened.

She didn't know what to say. Did she really see that smile? Or was it just her imagination?

She turned her head slightly, stealing a glance at Cain.

His face was still buried in his hands.

But from the gaps between his fingers…

He was looking at her.

A chill ran down her spine.

Alex: "Then…?"

Jia swallowed hard.

Jia: "S-sorry… I feel like I'm going to be sick. Can I use the bathroom?"

Alex studied her for a moment before nodding.

Alex: "Go ahead."

Emma sighed. You too Cain you can wait outside, dear [she said].

Emma: "You're too hard on her, old man."

Alex: "I'm just trying to make sense of this damn case. Two dead parents. A 'typical' tragic story. But something doesn't sit right."

Emma leaned back.

Emma: "I agree. This case is a mess. But those kids… if they don't develop PTSD after this, they'll be damn lucky."

In the bathroom Jia splashed cold water on her face, gripping the sink as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.

That boy…

He had been looking at her.

Through his fingers, as if waiting, no, watching.

She shivered. Was she just being paranoid?

The door creaked open.

A voice echoed behind her.

"Hey, Jia."

Her entire body locked up. The color drained from her face.

Slowly, she turned.

It was Cain.

Jia: "What… are you doing here? Did you follow me?"

Cain hesitated, rubbing his arm nervously.

Cain: "S-sorry. I just… I wanted to thank you. You saved my life. If it weren't for you, I-I'd be dead."

His voice cracked, and without warning, he dropped to his knees, sobbing.

Jia's chest tightened.

Maybe… maybe she was overthinking things.

Hesitantly, she reached out.

Jia: "It's okay. You're safe now. But… please. Just… give me some space."

She hurried out of the bathroom.

Behind her, Cain slowly lifted his head.

His tears were gone.

His face was empty.

Expressionless.

Cold.

He turned to the mirror, staring at his own reflection.

And then.

He smiled.