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 A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."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

to cry louder. "If I had known I'd never see my boy again, I would have

happened to Elliot overseas?"

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 see his face from time to

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

son... I didn't

only offer her condolences for the

she did not realize that her son had died the day he was

was the

much to ask to see some photos of

said as he handed over the photo album to Percival. Percival flipped through the album, noticing pictures of Elliot in graduation robes,

painted a picture of a

Elliot study

turned the pages, a complex look in his eyes.

corner of one of Elliot's photos,

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

what we

no trouble at all. We haven't had anyone to talk to about 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 offered

of the photos were

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

"Do you

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

for a high school student, let alone blend in and eventually study abroad." Vivienne had a hunch that the secrets

to the hospital.

Quincy!