Hearing Dustin's words, I couldn't help but picture Conrad's rebellious days back in high school, the epitome of carefree youth., I once thought he'd always be that way, but at some point, he changed, and so did the path we walked together., It just goes to show, the future is a mystery.,

"Conrad also made me promise to look after mom and dad, and you,

" Dustin's voice grew heavier,

"He even said that if you ever get married, I should let him know. He wants to personally send his blessings.

", His words left me feeling choked up and pretty annoyed. After all his drama, making everyone think he was at his wit's end, turns out he was just laying low somewhere.,

"Doesn't sound like he's settling his final affairs,

" I bit back, a bit too harshly., Dustin murmured,

"Maybe he's got his reasons, his own struggles.

", I scoffed,

"A wife and kids at home, career soaring, what struggles could he possibly have? Is he indulging in some sort of existential crisis?

",

"You're still holding a grudge against him, aren't you?

" Dustin speculated that my sarcastic remarks were just unresolved feelings I had for Conrad.,

"Not at all. The moment I drew a line between us, I stopped loving or hating him,

" I clarified., Dustin went silent for a few seconds,

"Is it that easy to let go of love and hate?

", His tone made me think of what Ernest had analyzed, and Dustin's restrained, enduring affection towards me., I wanted to ask if he had moved on from me. But that wasn't a question I could easily ask.,

"What's your plan, Dustin?

" I shifted the subject.,

"Huh?

" He seemed puzzled., I explained,

"With Conrad off to who knows where, leaving everything behind, what are you going to do?

", Now he understood,

"Mom, dad, and you, I'd take care of you all regardless of Conrad's whereabouts. As for the company... I'll manage it until he returns.

", Hearing this, I knew Ernest was spot on., No soldier who doesn't dream of becoming a general is a good soldier. Dustin, always striving to be top of his class, seeking our parents' approval through his achievements, how could he be content with mediocrity?,

"Wasn't he pushed out of the company by Mr. Wagner? Even if he comes back, returning to the company might not be an option,

" I hinted., Dustin, ever so thoughtful, would surely grasp my implication., And I didn't mind him understanding. If not for the years of affection he's shown me, I'd have said it straight to his face.,

"Felicia,

" Dustin's voice was low,

"You think I'm involved in all this, don't you?

", He got my hint.,

"Dustin, what goes around comes around,

" I said and hung up the phone., Somehow, I found myself trembling, not from anger or confrontation, for our conversation hadn't escalated to that, but from a rush of emotions post-call. Suddenly, I felt the warmth of a jacket draped over my shoulders. Looking up, Ernest was there, though I hadn't noticed his approach.,

"I...

", Before I could speak, Ernest cut in,

"Let's go, let's head home.

", Yet, I stayed put, locking eyes with him., Under my gaze, Ernest swallowed hard, then he said,

"The car accident... it was a brake failure.

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