The lights flashed in my eyes. I stared at the empty door and calmly walked toward a home that was not truly mine. 

The video of Jenny White breaking the hiking record played on the mall’s big screen. In the video, my parents and Jared stood excitedly, cheering for her. 

None of them seemed to remember that I would be released today. 

After almost three hours of walking, I finally saw Jared. 

He rushed over. Upon seeing my limp, he went to support my arm. 

“Charlie! What happened to your leg? Did they do something to you inside?” 

The concern in his tone and expression felt ironic. 

“Weren’t you the one who sent me to jail before my leg healed to protect Jenny’s reputation?” 

My legs never got the treatment they needed. I would never be able to hike again. 

Jared avoided my gaze awkwardly. “We only did that because we were worried the victim’s family would take revenge on you. I don’t mind that you have a limp. I’ll take care of you.” 

Not wanting to waste my energy on him, I opened the car door, only to see Jenny sitting inside. 

“What is she doing here?” 

Jared quickly closed the door. “Our friends wanted to go celebrate and congratulate Jenny for her award. I think you’d better not go.” 

“Not go? The murderer herself will be there, so why can’t I join?”