Chapter 3The Son I Could Never Save

Gabriel’s school had a rule: Students had to stay in the dorms for a week before the SATs.

Lauren kept insisting I stay home and not bother Gabe.

I forced a smile and agreed. “Alright, you go ahead. Tomorrow, we’ll pick Gabe up together.”

She smiled warmly, giving me a reassuring hug. “Everything will be okay.”

In my previous life, she had always supported me with kind words. After our parents passed, I dropped out of school early to work and support her education. My life before raising Gabe had been dedicated to her.

Yet, in the end, she publicly accused me, revealing mysterious scars on her own body. “Abby, you used to beat me too. How could you do the same to your son?”

Her accusations were a knife to my heart.

Watching Lauren’s car drive away, I changed into fresh clothes and raced to my garage. The thought of Gabe’s broken body tortured me, making me slam the gas pedal.

When I arrived at Ashwood High School Dormitory, I rushed to the entrance, where Mrs. Spencer, the dorm supervisor, stopped me.

“Whoa there! Parents aren’t allowed in. It’s SAT week!”

“Please, I need to see my son. It’s urgent!” I pleaded desperately.

She shook her head. “Rules are rules. I can’t let you in.”

I relented and asked if she could call Gabe down instead. Soon, I heard footsteps on the stairs.

When I saw Gabe alive and standing before me, my tears fell uncontrollably. I grabbed his hands, trembling, and asked, “Have I ever made you unhappy with how strict I’ve been?”

Gabe looked confused. “Mom, what’s wrong? Of course not. I know you’ve done so much for me, especially with Dad working so much. The least I can do is study hard to repay you.”

He smiled and hugged me. “Tomorrow’s the SATs. Don’t worry. I’ll make you proud.”

Shaking, I asked, “How are things with your classmates? If there’s anything wrong, you can tell me.”

He looked puzzled. “Everything’s fine, Mom. I get along great with everyone.”

Gabe had always been well-liked, playing basketball with his friends and being kind to everyone. So why would he ever kill someone?

I stroked his hair. “Alright. I’ll stay at a hotel nearby and meet you first thing tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.” He gave me a curious look but agreed.

As I watched his tall figure disappear up the stairs, I wondered. At eighteen, he was strong and confident. There was no way he was being bullied.

So why would he murder Logan and then jump to his death?

I couldn’t figure it out. Bound by the school’s rules, I booked a room at The Elmwood Inn, overlooking the exam hall. That night, I sat wide-eyed, unable to sleep.

The following day, I watched Gabe enter the exam hall. Everything was calm until the final ten minutes.

For a moment, I closed my eyes. But when I opened them again, I saw Gabe standing on the hallway ledge, holding a bloodied knife.

His face twisted in agony as tears streamed down. I could see his lips moving, shouting something I couldn’t hear.

Then he climbed the railing. The memory of his shattered body from my past life flashed through my mind.

“No!” I screamed, my voice cracking with despair.