After driving Howell and Tabitha away, Felicia dismissed them from her mind. She knew they would likely pester Kayla, given their shameless nature. This was fine. Threats and intimidation had worked on Howell and Tabitha, and Felicia believed the couple wouldn't dare trouble her again anytime soon.
She turned her attention to her books. Information and records about bronze bells were scattered and elusive. One book might contain only minor details, and the accumulated books and materials formed a sizable pile.
After two days of relentless reading, Felicia's head spun, and her eyes were bloodshot. Stanley, unable to bear seeing her in such a state, offered to help. Felicia handed him about ten books. But after reading only three, he started complaining of eye strain and fled! How unreliable.
Felicia slumped onto the couch and closed her eyes. But the weight of her research, coupled with the fear of sleepwalking again, kept her restless. That's when Sebastian arrived.
When the maid announced his arrival, Felicia rubbed her eyes, baffled by how he had found her address. Their last encounter at the cafรฉ had been unpleasant. She couldn't understand why he was here now. She sighed, sat up, and told the maid to let him in.
Soon, footsteps approached. Felicia saw Sebastian, who looked equally exhausted, his eyes bloodshot like hers. Their eyes met; anyone witnessing the scene would have recognized them as siblings.
Felicia massaged her temples and muttered helplessly, "Sebastian, I've already told you everything I know. Why are you here again?"
Sebastian's visit seemed ominous, but his response surprised her. "I'm sorry."
"What did you say?" Felicia thought she'd misheard. "I'm sorry," Sebastian repeated.
He stepped closer and crouched before her. His handsome face looked tired, but his gaze was firm. He said hoarsely, "I've never been a good brother to you. I'm sorry, Licia."
He'd spent a long time reflecting after their cafรฉ meeting. The image of Felicia's tear-filled eyes and bitter smile after his accusations haunted him. Each time he recalled it, guilt and remorse overwhelmed him. He realized he had hurt her repeatedly. Besides blaming her, what had he done as her brother to support the family?
Before Felicia could respond, Sebastian sighed. "I've found the last known location where our parents disappeared. I have to find them. I don't know if I'll have another chance. So, before I leave, I decided to apologize. I know you won't acknowledge me as your brother, but I still want to do this. I'm sorry, Licia."
After apologizing, Sebastian stood. He instinctively reached out to pat Felicia's head, as he used to, but stopped halfway, withdrawing his hand.
Only after Sebastian left did Felicia fully process his words. What did he mean he might not have another chance? Where exactly had their parents been taken? And what had caused their disappearance?