In the quiet gym hall, the evening sun cast a weak glow through dusty windows, like a memory fading with time. Athena and Madeline sat on the wooden floor, school bags abandoned beside them. The distant echo of a bouncing ball whispered secrets of emptiness.
Madeline turned to Athena, her voice laced with concern. "Athena, why've you been moody since you got back from work?"
Athena's eyes dropped, weighed down by chains of obligation. "I'm under tight supervision now."
"Tight supervision?" Madeline echoed, confusion knotting her brow.
"Yes… Stephan's mom told me to stay away from him. And the worst part? Before I even reached my office, everything was already disorganized." Athena's words dripped with frustration.
Madeline's eyes widened. "Wait—Emma Black is investigating you?"
Athena nodded, a cold resolve hardening her voice. "Yes. And it's really dangerous."
Madeline's frown deepened. "So what's your next plan?"
"I'll get the documents I need ASAP. Once I do, Annabella Harris will vanish from the world."
Madeline's voice trembled. "That's almost impossible under supervision."
Athena's jaw tightened. "I'll bet on my life."
Madeline stood frozen, horror creeping into her tone. "You're betting with your life?"
Athena's laughter was a sad whisper. "I don't care… as long as I can revenge my family."
Madeline's anger broke like a storm. "If you die, what'll become of me?"
Athena's words fell flat. "Everything heals with time. You'll forget me."
Madeline's voice shattered. "I never knew you were this selfish. You don't care how painful your death'd be to me—all you care about is revenge!"
Athena's eyes glistered, her chuckle a painful sound. "It's all been predicted. The moment I lost everything, I stopped caring about my life. As long as I avenge my family…"
Madeline's rage swelled. "What about me? Who am I to you? Those days of sisterhood—what do they mean? Do I even have a place in your heart?"
Silence devoured the gym. Athena stared at the floor, words trapped in her throat. Madeline's hands clenched tight on her knees.
Madeline exploded. "Answer me, Athena!"
Athena's voice cracked. "You're someone I can never repay in this life. No matter what I do, it'll never be enough."
Madeline's anger shifted to desperation. "I don't need repayment. Repay me with your life! Stay alive."
Madeline stormed out, slamming the door. The echo lingered like a scream.
Athena whispered to shadows. "I have to keep my distance… so you don't get hurt because of me. I'm sorry."
She folded into herself, quiet sobs echoing in the empty gym.