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 A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."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."

woman began to cry louder. "If I had known I'd never see my

Elliot overseas?" Percival

was difficult back then, and we couldn't go abroad. Thankfully, he sent photos home, so

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 since he was settled. But then... there was a shooting at his school. Many students and teachers died, and Elliot was among

didn't even get to see him one last time. How could he

her condolences for

son had died the day he was

raised was

be too much to ask to see some photos of

they're all here," the father said as he handed over the photo album to

picture of a simple life, mostly spent

study abroad?" Vivienne

turned the pages, a complex look in

the corner of one of

of the matter

who had used the art of disguise to hide in Elliot's home, taking his place and living on before using his time abroad to continue his sinister deeds. During

and said, "Thank you. We've got what we need. Someone will

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

the photos were quickly delivered

Flynn's face on the printout, Percival's fingertips tensed

asked, "Do you want me to go

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

could pass for a high school student, let alone blend in and eventually study abroad." Vivienne had a

to the

Quincy!