I pressed on Taylor's chest so that he would lie down.
"Stop talking…"
"I was lucky. I wasn't special, so they always targeted… the two geniuses who didn't fit in…"
As Taylor spoke, he began to cough up more blood.
I wondered if his ribs had already pierced through his lungs.
"On that day when they were going to commit arson… I was scared. I heard their plans, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I should tell both of them…
"I felt guilty, so I secretly told Steven. I told him to escape with Simeon… That they should leave the orphanage since the rest were going to commit arson…
"But Steven said that there was somebody that he was waiting for, so he refused to leave."
Taylor looked at Steven. I also turned around to look at Steven.
So did everyone else…
It turned out that someone had notified Steven of the arson beforehand.
I wondered why Steven didn't escape, causing Simeon's death in the process.
Steven stood in silence. He kept his head low, refusing to explain himself regarding the incident from years ago.
After all, Steven… had his flaws too.
"Steven… Simeon could've escaped, but you insisted on staying. That's why Simeon died, right?" Quinn asked, teary-eyed.
"Carol said it was all Stephanie's fault because she made you wait for her…"
Everyone looked at Steven.
Simeon died because he got held back.
I wonder if Steven had been feeling guilty, hence spending years being homeless. He was punishing himself by staying guard at the orphanage.
"What do you know?" Joel interjected, his breath quickening as he tried to say something.
"We have to leave soon…" Steven interrupted Joel.
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