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 A young man shouldn't be so withdrawn."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 boy again, I would have never let him go

happened to Elliot

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

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

her face in her hands. "My poor son... I didn't even get to see him one last time. How

only offer her condolences for the woman's

realize that her son had died the

was the enemy in

down, Percival asked, "Would it be too much to ask to see some

the father said as he handed over the photo album to Percival. Percival flipped through the album, noticing pictures

of a simple life,

study

turned the pages, a complex look in his eyes. Noticing the change, Vivienne leaned in and was equally

the corner of one of Elliot's photos,

of the matter was becoming

to hide in Elliot's home, taking his place and living on before

We've got what we need. Someone will be by shortly to take you

our son," the father said, bowing to Vivienne and

were quickly delivered to

face on the printout,

"Do you want me

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

would have been middle-aged by then. It's hard to believe he could pass for a high school student, let alone blend in and

it was Karen. "Come to the hospital. Your undercover girl has

Quincy!