Chapter 15

Mrs. Preston sighed and started telling me about Lily and Darren's childhood. "Lily was an orphan, and she lived alone in the countryside. I found her when Darren was ten. Since Lily was introverted, Darren, being her age, could help her open up more easily. "It was a huge help to me later when I decided to adopt her. Following my guidance, Darren treated Lily as his little sister, and Lily gradually let her guard down and grew close to us. But it wasn't until after I adopted her that I learned she had been…" Mrs. Preston's voice choked, and though she spoke vaguely, I understood what she meant. Lily had suffered abuse and assault while living alone in the countryside, which explained her intense reaction when that mentally unstable person harassed her. It must have triggered her trauma. "Her parents' death was actually connected to Derry, and that's why I've always felt guilty toward her. I've always hoped Derry would take care of her for life." She stopped walking. "Lily has a