Flynn tilted his head, not quite understanding why a single piece of candy would be treasured so dearly. But Niamh was gripping it tightly.

An hour later, Flynn left Niamh’s house. Outside the complex, Jonathan pushed aside the leaves of a large banana tree and peered out. Seeing Flynn leave, he let out a faint sigh of relief.

His gaze drifted to Niamh’s window, which suddenly went dark. She must be asleep, he thought, his eyes fixed on the black square.

Inside, Marlin was sleeping soundly, but Niamh was wide awake. Her bed was right next to the crib, close enough to reach out and touch him. Normally, she would have poked his round, soft cheek, but not tonight. Her hand was closed around the candy Jonathan had given her. She held it so tight that the crinkled wrapper left a red imprint on her palm, but she didn’t let go.

In the darkness, her soft, bitter voice whispered, "Jonathan, why are you doing this to yourself?"

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