Felix stared intently at his phone, as if willing a message to appear. He’d been wrestling with the thought of forbidding his younger sister from joining the upcoming camping trip.

Rumors had been spreading—dark, unsettling ones—about girls going missing during that same school excursion. Two sisters had reportedly died after disappearing on a similar trip.

He scratched his head in frustration and glanced at the signed consent form on the table. The camping trip was mandatory. It was too late to back out now.

It’s just three days, he tried to convince himself. Their adviser and several teachers will be there. He repeated the thought like a prayer, but the worry wouldn’t leave him.

Felix never wanted to hold his siblings back. Everything he did—every risk, every job—was for them. They weren’t his burden; they were his purpose.

After their parents abandoned them, he became both brother and parent. He worked to give them a better life, no matter how much it cost him. Whatever his body could endure, he endured it—for them.

But he never told them where the money came from. He juggled dangerous, dirty jobs—the kind that would make anyone else turn away. One of his main sources of income came from selling meat from animals that had died of disease—a grim trade in the black market.

He knew he was walking a thin line. When the authorities finally cracked down on that illegal network, he’d likely be the first to fall. But until that day came, he only had one goal: to keep his family safe.

People could judge him all they wanted—he didn’t care. Survival was all he knew.

“Brother?”

The voice broke through his thoughts.

He looked up. “Oh, Jenny—you’re home already.” He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to appear calm.

Jenny frowned. “Are you okay, brother?” she asked, noticing both the worry in his eyes and the low-battery icon flashing on his phone.

“It’s nothing,” Felix replied. “I was just thinking about Thalia.”

“Why? What about her? She’s not home yet?” Jenny asked, concerned.

“She’s in your room,” he clarified. “I meant the camping trip next week.”

“What’s got you so worried?”

He sighed deeply. “I already gave her permission, and I know it’s something she should experience. But... what if she disappears like those other girls? That’s what’s eating at me.”

Jenny listened quietly, then nodded.

“You’ve probably heard about that area—the one where many girls went missing?” Felix continued.

Jenny’s eyes narrowed. “You mean the place connected to the case of the two murdered sisters?”

He nodded again, his expression grim. “I just don’t want to stop Thalia from doing something she’s excited about, but... all the rumors about that place give me a bad feeling.”

“Do you want me to talk to her? Maybe convince her not to go?” Jenny offered.

Felix shook his head. “No. I trust her. I just worry... too much sometimes.”

Jenny smiled softly. “Whatever’s best for Thalia.”

He smiled back. In that moment, he realized how much she’d grown. Jenny wasn’t a little girl anymore—she had matured into a young woman who could understand things even he struggled to say aloud.

“Jen, call Thalia. Dinner’s ready,” he said.

Jenny nodded and stood, while Felix went to finish setting the table for their modest dinner.

Soon, Thalia and their youngest brother joined them. They sat together, eating quietly.

“Take care while you’re there, Thalia,” Felix said suddenly.

She looked up, puzzled. “Okay.”

Felix watched the three of them for a long moment. Even if my hands are stained, I want all of you to stay pure. I’ll carry the weight of my sins—so you’ll never have to.
He kept the thought to himself and said no more.

******

Thalia stared at the consent form in her hand, hesitation still weighing on her chest. Deep down, she didn’t really want to go.

She arrived early at school the next morning and was surprised to find their classroom already open. No one was there yet. Maybe their adviser had arrived early?

“You’re early today, Miss Thalia Blanco.”

The voice startled her. She turned to see their adviser, Mr. Jake, standing by the door.

“Good morning, Sir,” she greeted politely.

“Good morning,” he replied with a kind smile as he walked toward the teacher’s desk. Thalia suddenly felt self-conscious under his gaze.

“Oh, is that your consent form?” he asked, gesturing toward the paper in her hand.

She nodded and handed it over.

“Good. I’m glad your guardian allowed you to join. I’m happy, Ms. Blanco.” His smile deepened.

“Sir, may I ask something?” Thalia said softly.

“Of course,” Mr. Jake replied, looking up from the paper.

“What happens if a student can’t attend the camping trip? Will it affect their grades?”

He paused, studying her expression. “I see what you’re asking, Miss Blanco,” he said after a moment, glancing at the form again. “Technically, it won’t harm your grades too much. But extracurricular activities like this are important—they’re part of your overall development. This trip isn’t just about academics. It’s about building experience.”

Thalia understood what that meant. Unless her older brother had strictly forbidden her to go, she had no valid excuse. It was practically mandatory.

“Thank you, Sir,” she said with a polite smile.

Mr. Jake gave her a light pat on the shoulder before stepping outside. Soon, the room began to fill with students, their laughter and footsteps echoing off the walls.

Thalia, you have no choice, she told herself. You have to go. Maybe it’ll help your grades. Make your older brother proud. Don’t let fear control you.

The noise around her grew louder, but Thalia remained quietly seated, lost in thought.

“Well, look who’s early today!” a familiar voice chirped as someone playfully nudged her arm.

She didn’t need to look—it was Ruth.

“Good morning, Ruth.”

“Did you get permission?” Ruth asked eagerly.

Thalia nodded.

“Yes!” Ruth cheered. “Let’s shop for supplies together on Saturday!”

Thalia smiled faintly and nodded again.

But deep inside, she couldn’t shake the unease.
Something told her that the next three days… would change everything.