The Million-Dollar Heart

Fitness Fun in the Park

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"Sir, would you mind sharing the story with us in more detail?" Vivienne inquired.

The old man nodded, "Of course. That year left a deep impression on us. Elliot was the beacon of hope for our entire family. Even our distant relatives had high hopes for him. After all, for a low-income family like ours, having a kid in high school was already a big deal.

Elliot's grades, though, were average at best. He was not exactly a standout student and didn't have many friends. He was a bit of a loner.

But ever since the kidnapping, it was as if he had become a different person. He was much more outgoing. Even got scolded by me for dating a girl from school. Truth be told, I thought the boy who came back was a lot better off. A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."

Vivienne exchanged a glance with Percival.

Most people would be crushed by such traumatic memories and not emerge more cheerful and sociable.

How could this Elliot have possibly transformed so positively?

The father continued, "Elliot didn't let us down, though. He got into Elite University, and after graduating, he went abroad for further studies."

At the mention of going abroad, the silent mother let out a stifled sob, tears streaming down her face.

Vivienne silently passed her a tissue, "Did something happen?"

The man sighed, his expression growing somber. "We were originally against the idea of him going abroad, but Elliot was determined. He worked his way through, not needing a dime from us. Reluctantly, his mother and I agreed. But once he left, he never returned."

"If I had known I'd never see my boy again, I would have never let him go

to Elliot

well in school and work, consistently earning scholarships. But he rarely contacted us; communication was difficult back then, and we couldn't go abroad. Thankfully, he sent photos home, so at least I could

Elliot graduated and got a job at the university, we knew he wouldn't come back. We thought about moving abroad to be with him

I didn't even get

only offer her condolences

that her son had died

child they raised was the enemy in their

down, Percival asked, "Would it be too much to ask to see some photos of Elliot? Especially the

years abroad, less than ten in total, but they're all here," the father said as he handed over

painted a picture of a simple life, mostly spent

study abroad?" Vivienne

Percival's hands paused as he turned the pages, a complex look in his eyes. Noticing the change, Vivienne leaned in and

of one of Elliot's

the matter was becoming

and living on before using his time abroad to continue his sinister deeds.

you. We've got what we need. Someone will be

Elliot for a long time. Thank you for remembering our son," the father said, bowing to Vivienne and Percival, his eyes glistening with tears. Percival and Vivienne

photos were

he looked at Flynn's face on the printout, Percival's fingertips

asked, "Do you want me to go and ask

Even if we asked him, he wouldn't say anything. We'd be better off

a high school student, let alone blend in and eventually study

rang; it was Karen. "Come to

Quincy!