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In our dinal moments, Liam and I clasped hands. Our phones lay nearby on the rubble.
Evelyn's breathing grew ragged.
Their father had been a forensic pathologist, and the sisters had learned enough from him to tell real evidence from fabrication.
They knew—this was no photoshop job.
Evelyn grabbed Scarlett's arm, forcing a ghastly smile.
"They went all out this time."
"Faked photos even I can't debunk."
"As if this lie survives a trip downtown."
She bolted for the door, knocking Ethan aside without a glance.
Evelyn floored the accelerator, muttering my name, vowing to teach me a lesson.
She ran a dozen red lights before screeching to a halt at the precinct.
Scarlett arrived moments later.
No ignored pleas here. Officers led them straight to us.
"These are the only unclaimed remains."
"Please take them home. Give them peace. Our condolences."
Evelyn didn't speak. THer hand trembled as she stepped toward the white cloth. With one touch, it drifted softly downward..
Revealing Liam and me, broken beyond human shape.
They’d cleaned us up mostly – blood and gore washed away, leaving gaunt, greyish skin.
Scarlett stared at Liam's body, shaking her head violently.
"No."
"Impossible!"
"That's not my Liam! My Liam's waiting at home!"
"He promised! Forever! By my side!"
"How could he leave?"
"Liars! All of you!"
Scarlett shrieked, hysterical. A female officer snapped.
"We called you countless times! You ignored us!"
"Don't play the grieving widow now!"
Evelyn whirled on her. "That's a lie!"
Then it hit her. The ignored calls from Ms. Reynolds. The pitying, scornful looks. The flood of missed calls, unread texts.
Unthinkable while I lived.
Evelyn sank to her knees, collapsing onto my body, sobbing.
"Liam, I didn't know."
"Truly. I thought you were angry."
"I never wanted this."
"My fault. Hit me. Yell at me. Look at me, please?"
She pressed my cold hand against her cheek, her proud spine finally buckling.
Watching their collapse, I was glad Liam was gone, spared this grotesque display.
They showed no care when we were alive, and now in death, they play at remorse.
