The sight stunned me utterly. Panting, my gaze swept the study. No chaos or violence greeted me. Lily crouched with her back to me, turning pale-faced. Charlie stood trembling on a child's skateboard before a makeshift ramp of cardboard and books. Astonishingly, he clutched a handwritten banner in his mouth: "Happy Birthday!" The room was a mess, but of a different kind—scattered with colorful plastic rings, plush balls, chew toys, and empty wrappers of those expensive treats. My old skateboard leaned against a wall, and handmade paper rings draped the desk.
A Frozen Moment
Time seemed to halt, leaving only our ragged breaths—mine, Lily's, Charlie's. Lily froze mid-crouch, eyes wide, her treat-filled hand trembling. Charlie tilted his head on the skateboard, the banner swaying in his mouth, his large eyes blank with confusion. The scattered toys, snack bags, handmade props... and that banner... collided violently with the dark suspicions I had nurtured. My mouth hung open, all accusations dying on my lips. Anger ebbed like a tide, leaving only swirling disbelief.
Lily's Confession
Lily burst into tears, sobs wracking her body. "You... you were supposed to be on a trip!" Her words tumbled out incoherently. "I... I wanted to surprise you... Your birthday's next Tuesday..." She pointed weakly at the banner and props. "Trying to teach Charlie tricks..." She sniffled, struggling to compose herself, but tears flowed harder. "He learns... slowly... I feared... it wouldn't be ready... needed more practice..." Her eyes drifted to the mangled lock and splintered frame, terror overwhelming her anew. "I thought... a burglar... terrified... truly terrified..."
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