Ethan's words hung in the air like a death sentence. Anderson's eyes were wide with fear, and he knew that he was in grave danger. He tried to struggle free, but Ethan's grip was too strong.
"You can't do this," Anderson pleaded. "You'll go to jail for life."
Ethan's expression didn't change. "I'll take that risk," he said. "You've caused so much pain and suffering. You deserve to pay for what you've done."
Anderson's face was contorted in fear. "Please, Ethan, have mercy," he begged. "I'll do anything, just don't hurt me."
Ethan's gaze was cold and unyielding. "You're going to pay for what you've done," he repeated. "You're going to suffer for the pain you've caused my family."
As Ethan spoke, his mind was racing with thoughts of revenge. He had been planning this moment for so long, and now that it was finally here, he was determined to see it through.
Anderson's eyes were streaming with tears. "I'm sorry, Ethan," he sobbed. "I'm so sorry for what I did. Please forgive me."
Ethan's expression didn't change. "It's too late for apologies," he said. "You've caused too much damage. Now it's time for you to pay the price."
With a swift motion, Ethan dragged Anderson away from the scene, leaving behind a trail of fear and uncertainty. The streets were empty and silent, the only sound being the distant hum of traffic.
As they walked, Anderson's fear grew. He knew that he was in grave danger, and that Ethan's revenge would be merciless. He tried to struggle free, but Ethan's grip was too strong.
The darkness seemed to close in around them, and Anderson's heart was racing with fear. He knew that he was running out of time, and that Ethan's revenge was imminent.
Ethan's face was set in a determined expression. He was driven by a desire for revenge, and nothing was going to stand in his way. He was going to make Anderson pay for what he had done, no matter the cost.
As they reached the edge of town, Ethan's grip on Anderson's arm didn't loosen. He dragged him deeper into the darkness, the silence broken only by Anderson's terrified screams.
The room was silent, save for the wind pressing softly against the cracked windows. Anderson sat tied to a heavy chair, sweat beading on his forehead. Ethan stood in front of him, his body still, but his eyes burning with quiet fury.
"You can't do this," Anderson pleaded, his voice trembling. "You'll ruin your life. Please—just take me in. Let justice handle this."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Justice?" he said, his voice low. "Was that what you gave my father when he begged you to stop poisoning our town? Was that what you gave my mother when she cried over Alex's hospital bed?"
Anderson's eyes welled with tears. "I was just following orders. It wasn't supposed to go that far. I didn't—"
"You didn't care," Ethan cut in. "You looked my father in the eyes and signed his death warrant."
A long silence fell between them. Anderson wept quietly now, his shoulders shaking. Ethan didn't move. His mind was a storm—rage, grief, memories of Alex's laughter, his mother's arms, his father's voice telling him to be strong. It all swirled, crashing against the image before him: the man who had helped destroy it all.
"I've replayed this moment a thousand times," Ethan whispered. "And in every one, I hurt you. I make you scream. I make you beg like my family never got to. But now that I'm here…"
He looked away, his hands trembling.
"…I don't feel better."
Anderson sobbed. "Then let me go."
"No," Ethan said sharply. "You don't deserve to walk free. You're going to live with this—the fear, the shame, the guilt. Every night, you'll see their faces."
Ethan untied the ropes with slow precision. Anderson didn't move. He was too shaken to speak.
"You'll turn yourself in," Ethan said coldly. "You'll confess to everything. Or I will come back—and next time, I won't hesitate."
Then he walked out into the night, the door creaking shut behind him.
_Bleank Ø_