Chapter 133

Evan was at a loss for words, stammering, unable to meet my gaze. Leaning back against the headboard, I stayed silent, letting him process his emotions. After a moment, he stepped closer, biting his lip. "Ari, I'm sorry. Could you forgive my brother, for my sake?" I studied his face, so young and earnest yet hardened by recent experiences. "Evan," I said softly, "you've grown so much." He blinked, taken aback. I gestured with my hand to show his height. "You used to be this small and round-cheeked. Now, suddenly, you're nearly six feet tall." He quickly corrected me, "I'm five foot ten," but as he realized what he was saying, he lowered his head, embarrassed. "Ari," he pleaded, "Isn't there any way you could give him another chance?" He looked at me with a familiar gaze, one I remembered vividly from when he was young. Back then, his wide, innocent eyes would peer up at me, begging, "Ari, play with me! Let's go on the swings. Let's play with the ball!" At what point did he chang