Dennis's room was just down the hall. Not long after, Ethan showed up, carrying Dennis in his arms.

Dennis looked like a wreck-face pale, streaked with tears. He was clinging to Ethan, arms tight around his neck, hiding his face in Ethan's shoulder. Even from across the room, you could hear his soft, broken sobs.

Kevin tried to hold it in, but frustration got the better of him. "You've got the nerve to cry now?"

The words made Dennis cry even harder. He clung to Ethan like his life depended on it, his voice shaking. "I don't want to go over there. I want to go back. Please."

Kevin's anger flared. "Go back where? You're not going anywhere until you explain yourself. You're getting bolder every day. You actually tried to kill yourself. Do you even realize that if no one found you, you'd be gone right now?"

That set Dennis off completely. He started wailing, legs kicking helplessly in the air. "Uncle Ethan, I want to go back. Please, I want to go back."

"You're not leaving," Kevin snapped. “You need to stand here and tell me what happened."

Ethan hesitated in the doorway, torn and uncertain, not sure if he should come in or leave. Kevin kept his eyes locked on Dennis, face dark and stormy.

Amelia stepped over and gently touched Kevin's shoulder. "Grandpa, maybe try to be a little softer..."

She paused, like she really meant it, then lowered her voice. "Grandpa, remember what I told you? Dennis just tried to take his own life. He's not in a good place. If you keep yelling, what if he tries again? What if he ends up hating you for it? Let's just talk calmly, okay? No need to go this far."

Her words seemed to get through a little. Kevin took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but he still looked angry. "Just look at him. He drives me crazy."

Amelia pressed her lips together. "Let me talk to Dennis."

Truth was Dennis was just doing exactly what Amelia had told him to do. She'd told him to act stubborn, to show Kevin he was serious. If Kevin didn't help, Dennis' would rather give up entirely.

Kevin's voice stayed cold. "No talking. Bring him here."

Ethan let out a soft sigh, then carried Dennis over.

Dennis kept crying, trying to wriggle out of Ethan's arms. Ethan gave in and set him down on the floor.

Dennis blinked through his tears and

saw Kevin's furious face. He froze for a second, then his mouth twisted and he started bawling so loud sounded like his heart was breaking He spun around, trying to bolt.

"Stop him," Kevin ordered.

Ethan and Amelia did their best to block him, but Dennis thrashed so hard they almost lost their grip.

Kevin barked, “Why are you still crying? Enough.”

His voice was so harsh, normally Dennis would fall silent immediately. But this time, Dennis just cried louder.

Kevin's expression grew even darker.

Amelia stepped in, kneeling beside Dennis and gently rubbing his back. Her voice was soft and comforting "Hey, it's okay. Don't cry. Grandpa's not going to hit you or yell at you. He just wants to talk. What you did last night really scared him. He even fainted because he was so worried about you. He cares about you, Dennis. Just talk to him for a bit, okay? Tell him how you feel. Help him feel better, alright?"