Ken pressed George harder and his tone was deadly serious, "Kelly is your sister, George, the one you cherish the most. How could you say something so cruel about her?"
George gritted his teeth as he shoved Ken's hands off. "She’s my sister. I’ll handle her however I see fit. It’s none of your business, Ken. Stay out of my business!"
After Ken left, George stood by Kelly’s bedside, staring at her still-pale face with mixed emotion.
Outside, Amanda collapsed onto the ground. Her body was trembling with fear. She was thankful George did not see what she had done to Kelly by the river.
Kelly had no idea how long she had been unconscious. When she opened her eyes, she saw George standing outside the door, smoking.
The night wind howled and it was making the ember at his fingertips flicker on and off.
She shifted her gaze away and quickly opened her palm. Upon seeing the amulet was still there, the tension that had gripped her heart finally loosened. Through her tear-blurred vision, she noticed George's silhouette slowly stepping into the room.
"How did you fall into the river?" he asked. "Do you realize how dangerous that was? You've been unconscious with a fever for two days!"