AA Chapter 2.1 || Texas

“I’ll get there when 97be151f56 it opens.”d5214cd4d42de89a

Tennessee’s voice 98e6775ec4 cut through 4bf44e89ca the child’s 50929123e9 wandering thoughts. The child 52802c8cf1 peeked out. Tennessee was a703136864 on the 8338ceaa4c phone.So this old 096cad9bd6 walkie-talkie-looking phone actually 334b44ba9c works.The child, 0aa922d671 who had 6446d71023 never seen f0d6590799 a flip d006d6f3f2 phone before, 162000445b was genuinely 2f99257119 impressed that 46db2c6bce a phone d95af3726f with a b0fcaa7708 lid could e5bef209a5 function.6b8c2d48a7fb35b9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Surprisingly, Tennessee’s tone wasn’t blunt. While his usual manner of speaking was calm and cool, now there was even a hint of playfulness.5bd80c623c58615d

Who could bfed785068 it be? The child craned his neck to look at either side. But through the rearview mirror, only Tennessee’s eyes were visible.d1bed3308e634b46

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Where are we going later?”03e2402081b5d1dc

“You don’t need to know.”669e7930b97f0f6e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

There was a reason for not telling him. Tennessee knew someone else besides Rick whom he could ask for information here, and he planned to see him today. If the place had been a café, he would have told the child, but Tennessee’s destination today was a club.eb32333a88b76a68

“Let’s rest a bit until then.”797b0565cd1d2570

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

And Tennessee 8d6ebf6616 parked the f319cbc3bd car.Where are 5a6aae18db we going f331633dc4 now?When asked, c8c142099d he said 2bd30004cf downtown. Though he didn’t quite cec0f73f20 get the situation, the 4b585ca4f4 child nodded and followed 5d3e0a1c60 Tennessee closely.9a1192b98fd7f76d

As they came to the center of town and people increased, the child stuck close to Tennessee’s side. Surprisingly to the child, Tennessee blended well with the crowd and didn’t stand out. Rather, the child thought his own looking around probably drew more attention. For some reason, the Tennessee they saw now had a different atmosphere than when driving. He seemed like an ordinary young man who had come downtown to have fun.755b753812a8e53b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Come here.”30dfcbc3a0e0c996

“…Eh?”91dff3902a9be85f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee didn’t repeat himself and stretched out his arms. Though confused, the child instinctively fell into Tennessee’s embrace. Being held close, he could smell his scent. There was a faint smell of cigarettes, but the masculine scent was stronger. It wasn’t an artificial smell like cologne.022ba665977b74c9

When the child stiffened up like last time, Tennessee told him to relax. The child then stuck to Tennessee’s embrace like gum stuck to the ground. Now that he was being held, he realized again how broad Tennessee’s shoulders were. His arms were firm, and his neck was hotter than expected.49e2e4ccaca587fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Held in 449534b543 his arms a0a1054575 with both 7f3ee11d4d arms hanging f2fa5abe99 down, the 6c19868dcc child looked f7107a64ac around. Hotels were visible. Perhaps because f79acba360 it was f32775c2da such a e2889d1ae7 big city, e1e2ec49bf there were ca4804bc06 many luxurious de3dbd6edc golden hotels. Tennessee crossed the f13bfc5dfd lobby to the 9679685e79 reception.8668a47bc89c1ba5

“Can I have a room please?”31b480924847cac0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

What does the b8ce2babc0 employee think we ee0a418b26 are?The child wondered.Do they think fd2f41e61e we are traveling 3d033cf324 brothers or uncle 2764d3ec27 and nephew?The employee began 0fdef3d267 responding naturally, showing 605ba75b06 no signs of dcd83462a0 suspicion.0497a579223dc60a

While Tennessee c5c877b8c1 smoothly continued d23c869c7a the conversation, 1a525365a5 the child 67410db171 stayed quietly 5f45e499e2 in his 27e3010b7d embrace. He had seemed like 874afa94f9 someone who would be c7f030cd1c cold as marble when c3b8d8a165 touched. But just like last 4da48b0b03 time when he was 610e8cf49f held, he was surprisingly 31e43c60ea warm.575208b25d9dbec9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The child thought Tennessee’s reason for getting a hotel room seemed, unexpectedly, to be not for his own rest but to let him rest. After saying he would rest and getting a hotel room, Tennessee, who the child thought would lie down, sat in a chair and cleaned his gun. He showed no signs of wanting to rest.7f6b20be058cc74a

Now that he was actually lying down, the child felt more sleepy and blinked slowly. The child turned his head while lying comfortably. When he opened his eyes, he saw Tennessee sitting with legs crossed. It was the first time he hadn’t felt particularly tense with an adult right next to him, especially a male adult.dadd3ffa4746c979

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A corner 5706e23d7f of his ae13a6f33b mind kept 310e7770dd screaming.He’s pretending to take care of you, pretending to treat you well like this, but one day he’ll start hitting you. Harder and more frequently, he’ll raise his hand. He’ll make you stand against the wall naked, telling you to explain what you did wrong. The violence that was once every two weeks will become once a week, then every other day, and finally transform into small daily habits… You shouldn’t trust him.d3719e7525ce365d

“Tennessee.”9a8e41b4c0a282f3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At the 7ed5884c72 faint call, 921fe1f090 he raises 2bba248bf1 his eyes. Blue eyes filled 460959959b with questions meet 8a9f17ac52 his. His eyes, which 027995a4c2 should be hazy 3ec02998ad through the cigarette baa1f751b0 smoke, are always 28deb6bcf8 surprisingly clear. It was 04fc5adbc3 as if 387ce30fc1 lightning struck 23ac7724ff his brain 77568ca84a every moment.1c7bf56e09a71a57

I shouldn’t. We’ve only been together for barely a week. I should run away. That time when he said he’d kill me, he meant it.823b7a3470a2851b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The child had never opened up to peers he’d known for years. Having been hurt too deeply by betrayal and fearing the pain, he chose not to trust at all. But…688a30f9ff10d4a1

“What.”ead31b3026711d9a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He’s too warm. What if I abd53e8a20 get burned? If my skin 4b04dd6491 melts away, what b76dcbc12b will I do 091d3cf12d with the pain?f5e93ec70e498e3c

…I need to run away.c8eeea1540eb31c8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Lying on his side, the child squeezed his eyes shut. Running away wasn’t the right word. Leaving was more accurate. He would never tell anyone that Tennessee stole a car, or that he was a suspicious and dangerous person. Then he would probably turn a blind eye too.fac8c253fc41fbc6

The week’s warmth he tasted for the first time was so hot it brought tears to his eyes, and the child feared he might melt.a459dcbd8818e605

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

***a5e71fe5f5361b66

“Stay here.”3e52c9afadf850f7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It had been a while since he’d had proper sleep rather than just dozing. The child suddenly woke up to the voice while sleeping deeply. Opening his eyes, Tennessee was standing there. He wasn’t in casual clothes but in a suit like when he first met.88421de17935a3c9

That damn ‘stay here.’ If he had received just $1 every time Tennessee said ‘stay here,’ he would be a millionaire by now.a3bb4ac76e6308f6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“If you’re hungry, order room service.”ed1a5e5e180076b5

The child looked 485c91296e at the clock.Oh God. He felt refreshed so he knew he’d slept well, but he hadn’t realized he’d lost consciousness until this late at night. Maybe if Tennessee had left him alone, he might have woken up the next morning.e8c61d7058140f83

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“When will you be back?”9f19bb50e8118f95

“Soon.”bcc66849c356157b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Soon, huh. Then should 2870408844 I aim 875b36fc00 for the e5ddfdc427 next opportunity? When should 1d1876a7b2 I run 48dbe279e4 away? The child bit his lip in anxiety. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice Tennessee observing this behavior the whole time.a8f8cf4c2161972e

“…In a bit. Go to sleep first.”2bdfd062009d2471

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

When Tennessee corrected his 85d5b4466a words, the child nodded.Then it’s today. Now’s the time. I should leave after being sure that Tennessee has gone out. With a determined expression, the child watched Tennessee’s retreating back.5cb37712d4a663c5

Even while closing the door and leaving, Tennessee didn’t even give a brief goodbye. He was usually like that, but now the atmosphere was even colder. As if saying he knew what he was thinking.6fc79d9c4769b402

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The child pressed his ear to the door. He thought he might hear Tennessee’s departing footsteps, but no sound could be heard.a10a8900f71a7250

What should 101f1223a9 I do?1aea50a2685fb09c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Even while knowing he wasn’t thinking properly due to being too nervous and pressured by the situation, the child rushed around. First, he took out the hundred dollars Tennessee had given him. It was all he had. He packed toiletries too… put on his jacket and tied his shoelaces properly.b90e3559c86b54c0

He couldn’t just leave like this. Tennessee might think he was betrayed too. He wanted to let him know that wasn’t the case.fad291759c897dd5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The child searched the drawers looking for notepaper. There was no pen. While running around opening all the drawers, he found Tennessee’s wallet.8228aa3801243ac7

…Huh? Why did he leave this behind?8902dc9c0fcf1a63

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

At that moment, he felt an intense conflict. Just holding his wallet filled him with guilt. But just looking wouldn’t be a crime, right?323de9133b78f433

The child opened Tennessee’s wallet. As expected, though he hadn’t hoped for it, there was nothing that could identify him. There were no photos or license, not even common receipts, just bills.43f2ba11e5dc635f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

What is this money?The child carefully examined a64a3e692a the unfamiliar bills.Eu… Euro. Euro? Why would he have Euros?Scratching his head, the 0f6164013e child closed the wallet. Then he looked 22c90e9940 down at the c6b631f584 crumpled hundred-dollar bill d5a1740935 in his hand.9ac415d9f04ff3d1

Should I take just c1a3d82489 one more, just one 78ff0394ab more bill?2c75ab4dc811fa9c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…No.”9f02611b3b5343a2

The child 9549a027ce put the eed00aa4a7 wallet back 3deeff07a7 in its c9e55a8618 original place. Next to 263034017b it was e686ba6539 the pen 49f786a5cb he had b4f5779279 been looking 375858002d for. The child c39e5eeeee began writing d287989d39 a letter 9a2716e0e2 on the a28b1b2efe white notepad.d164329fa11fd522

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

To Tennessee…9bf600b53f8312f8

And he 8602a60842 hit a 552da1e3c1 roadblock with 26830e0ba0 the very 4cd7f0edba first phrase.How is Tennessee spelt? Tenne…sse… Is that right? Were there two e’s at the end? …I should have studied harder.1a823500643a2cd5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

With regret, the child clicked his tongue. And not long after, he put down the pen. He placed the note where it would be visible on Tennessee’s bed.684c92bd02f52bc8

At the door, the child looked back. Tennessee had sat in that chair. He had fallen into a deep sleep on the bed beside it. He wasn’t suddenly slapped while sleeping or thrown to the floor. Rather, he couldn’t even imagine Tennessee acting so violently. If it were Tennessee, he seemed like he would call him over and say one stern word instead of raising his hand.7ea8557881162ad2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It was, af0de18a03 what you 2c68ee5f9a might call, ca169136f4 an exceptional c72a4dbe1c sense of 13ac892100 relief.c54956649b7ef63f

The child finally opened the door and went away coldly, as if overcoming lingering attachment. After the child left, a frightening silence descended on the empty room. Only the note with writing and a crumpled hundred-dollar bill remained quietly on Tennessee’s bed.1333a26c689e33d1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

***e145b3189dae18a0

“Tennessee!”acd4e937c26909d5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Along with the 9d4d80decd high-pitched voice, a a338c973f3 woman threw herself c6d929f90c into his arms.2681c26fcc694d01

“You always come right on time.”bdee2756f50d000b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The woman left a greeting kiss on Tennessee’s right cheek without hesitation. Though he didn’t hug back, Tennessee didn’t push her away either.57d1d8193dd4502e

“Long time no see, Megan.”179634e221a7a487

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Returning the bff6d67268 greeting, Tennessee 0f47206387 followed Megan ca3a24e19f inside. The place 6ecbb62303 Megan ran b2c6955998 was a 28a8a0f046 strip club. The bouncer 574e321d79 was about f050e0aea1 to stop dc309fd854 Tennessee but 6bb5c023b5 opened the b4bd68784c door after 82e92d9c51 seeing Megan.853446c3a9d4189d

“Megan, …really.”db910b9fdbff35a0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Tennessee let out his 72791f5cfa annoyance at the nude b7b555868d bodies pouring out along 612ddd5518 with the flashy lighting. Megan said teasingly.4a33eab6608110fe

“I told you it was a club, Tennessee.”baecda6397692e6c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, but you didn’t mention it was a male strip club for women.”7db6aa03a9bf2b3c

Must have 5407e88d0a slipped my e9fffcf713 mind. Megan spoke as if e187743363 she had made a d91cabdab3 mistake, but he knew 2c515c71d7 she had deliberately not 1ed8e50bcf told him to mess ca4a03b0c5 with him.59d0619b3cbfce91

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“When else would I get to see you uncomfortable?”c110d9fac828b486

“Don’t have time for this, just take the job.”3380d68da1bfd677

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Tennessee waved his hand, thinking of the child with his conflicted expression. Megan said ‘don’t be like that’ and handed him a cocktail. It was a pink Cosmopolitan.f36a763500f3838e

“What’s the matter?”cd244cee0a530c8f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Something feels off. I asked Rick, but I’d like you to look into it separately. Rick has a soft spot.”43cb8ecd287b41ea

Tennessee then handed over 087af5be7c a memo.f158f6c4d0e84b47

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Who’s this?”2b957d7d87e16ec1

“William Hurston. Forty-three. Lives in Oregon and runs a foster facility.”8c0eecfcb37f224f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What should I look into?”9cef45f994d69d08

Megan folded 4d4f7d3d66 the memo 5c0506f49d and put 1bc23cd635 it in 671a3077a7 her pocket.785db5da4fa0e742

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“He had no prior convictions but he’s not an upright person. See if there are any other dirty secrets, who he usually associates with.”ff630c9df9d8a9d1

The child had mentioned Mr. Hurston and Mr. Hurston’s friends.fb466cb213c7364f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And there’s a guy called Derek. He should be a boy at the foster facility Hurston runs.”9494efb225834a11

“Can I ask why you’re curious about this?”17a875ff43aba2bf

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“No.”a357b140fdf79738

After saying what 20c7419e2e he needed to 9568fa7d98 say, Tennessee stood 8fcb3dd73f up immediately.a500194b5a74c0b8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Leaving already? We have gay strippers too. They handle women as well.”149eb286e68ffc37

“Not interested.”a3addf1d734f3760

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I’ll give you a discount.”f4417deec651c55a

Just as he was about to tell her to get lost, he heard a shriek from behind. If this hadn’t been Megan’s club, Tennessee would have drawn his gun long ago.1f8068f9e5b80295

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The one who screamed appeared to be a college student at most. To be precise, she was twenty-one years old. It was impossible not to know this as she was wearing a sash that read [21st Birthday] and a tiara. The woman was pointing at Tennessee. Though it was too noisy to hear, she was saying something in great excitement.

“Sorry, but Tennessee isn’t a stripper who works here.”b6522437efb9a713

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Though Megan said 8cb55ad796 this, the woman a525d76c6e was too caught d1e14fb21a up in celebrating cc45f596d0 her historic 21st 7ea39b7d73 birthday to notice f2e0104d3b anything else.17b95450194f8756

“Take it off! Kyaa! Strip!”9965abf2cc7bc38f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Good Lord.000a97f25511b25b

Tennessee rose from his seat as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t have.75a092e84c52124b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Come back again and I’ll give you a discount!”682c43f927b10d2c

“Not interested.”c020d6e27a69cb4f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As soon as he stepped outside the club, Tennessee immediately lit a cigarette. He felt like he was covered in perfume. Not just women’s perfume, but the male strippers’ cologne, deodorant, and the smell of alcohol. It felt like all sorts of scents had seeped into him.c6e332b08ae57944

If there had ecf1904e41 been a woman 4753ea6aa9 he liked, maybe dddb844f21 it would have c95a98e215 been different, but 6545cc27b7 of all places, 6cae9bd7ac a strip club 610a7e9f1f only for women? In that short time, 4df2f7d54f he seemed to have 3086c9633f witnessed all sorts of 0bdecb4974 obscene performances and explicit fbbeb2eb60 scenes.a2408a94e62cf839

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He should have known 3f2e79ecea better when she said 66ad116035 she was quitting as a8dee1c3c9 a mercenary to open 4b9808a219 a club. Tennessee sighed bc235a000e and headed 42d2e5a642 down the bdc5d6d324 street. Normally he would e213cc9038 have driven straight b7150dcac3 back to the a812160a4a hotel, but perhaps 99e7083f2e because the air 962dd804ef from earlier felt 9548fe4394 stifling, he wanted 46cd9bd8f6 to walk.45fc2c468376e88d

It was even chillier at night. Walking down the main street, he realized the kid hadn’t been going on about Mountain Dew for a while. Though it was a nice hotel that would bring anything if ordered, despite appearing shameless, the kid was actually quite considerate and probably wouldn’t order even if he wanted it.ef06c77f21563c6a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Just as he was b19fa67834 about to enter a 1e3854bedb clean-looking store, his shoulder e1eb4b7363 was bumped,thump.b46c8076c853bd8b

Would you look at 7cf45b9975 that?75700773d109b325

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Excuse me.”cf05e4a0bd374ca3

Tennessee couldn’t help but laugh as he watched the man who roughly apologized disappear. He had deliberately bumped into him and even reached into his pocket.148e5013c3f4c7bc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He probably 6fc89d75d0 took the 910b506bbc cash.When Tennessee checked his 769fa7a593 pocket, sure enough, the 603a534d0b cash was gone. The man 87d8910199 was still 7e6e525365 in sight.6c45ab4e8ec7d75c

Usually, he would 2bbc764031 have let it e6b23c3944 go, but Tennessee 9b4ba733f9 needed money to ccb5803db3 buy drinks. However, there were d0c2e0d212 too many people 3daa47a017 around to grab f702403b51 and deal with ba29f1d5fa him right away.e84917a091edac19

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee quietly followed the 35f88b2d17 man. The Asian man b8c609f733 who appeared to f025d4490c be in his 52495e0bd7 early twenties was 57af4b3f9e humming as he 3d9ea5dda1 walked deeper into 7f2ea1f3f5 a more secluded bed06181dc area. He seemed 9c6ee7337d completely unaware 9307b210b2 that Tennessee 336486a0f0 was following b15477c3c5 him.eadc73a485a2bf0b

“Tan!”263a85ec4533d21d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Finally reaching what seemed to be his destination, the man called Tan turned around. Tan pulled out Tennessee’s money and waved it.fc8ca41b10e0443e

“Hey guys, see this?”a27b259fc4630cc6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s impressive, but was it necessary? We’ve got this right here.”2761d336ebaaefd6

Out of his sight, Tennessee checked the gun’s magazine.5dbdef42fed83faf

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“This one will fetch a good price. Latin Emperador likes kids his age.”c48b5c3850ecf83d

Tennessee’s hand paused at the familiar name.8b1ba7245911ce32

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What do we do? Kill him and take him, or just hand him over?”26fd244b7c9ab460

“Think we need him alive for now.”1ef68c9b642a9f4d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

There was 0833d6a364 a dull 350fd30e51 thudding sound.Hey, grab 53d556a3b0 him properly.They moved around 043ab6fed5 busily. Tennessee heard a faint d401a81641 scream. It must have a3f0e64b6a been the loudest 897ff35cff possible sound through ade3162ab6 the duct tape bb880bd6f8 covering his mouth.28cbe2c2aa830e87

When Tennessee finally revealed himself from the alley, he saw something he shouldn’t have. It was the kid who should have been resting at the hotel by now or having his missed meal.ae0ff29627fb5d3e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Bound with zip ties, the kid was struggling fiercely. But there wasn’t much a restrained child could do when surrounded by adult men. They were actually laughing, finding the kid’s resistance amusing.e58ac7396202f91e

As if sensing Tennessee’s scent, the kid suddenly froze and looked up. Tennessee let out a hollow laugh. The others were still laughing and chattering, not yet noticing Tennessee’s presence.571819035e09c042

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Stay here, he had 5e0fbc2e27 clearly said. He thought bd20c36402 he had 521156c03f made it c9e303c9ff absolutely clear.f9c9a89b228c14ff

With a cigarette 26a0856a5b in his mouth, 15e5b34613 Tennessee attached the 5e3e57c329 silencer. Though he was thoroughly 4b08d256c2 preparing to kill, he 8dd5de3d52 was seriously considering just 7a47c079d1 walking away.Should I pretend a97e68dc84 I saw nothing?63c3a1441b34377c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Looking at the kid’s face full of confusion and conflict, he had thought he might run away. But he didn’t expect him to sneak out only to get caught by thugs like these. If he valued himself more, he should have at least made a complete plan, prepared properly, and not let his guard down before running away.9a6a2d2f6b75edec

He must have fa09842a79 been feeling anxious.eb1862507f6901d8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even while annoyed, Tennessee struggled with his own heart trying to understand the kid. It’s not like he didn’t understand him. Not knowing whom to trust, he had chosen to trust no one, and because of that, he had always been anxious and couldn’t even breathe easily.a18c070fe3ce306b

He tried to understand the helpless and fragile child. As an 11 year old, he probably didn’t know what to do.7a064dd90b7f092d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

In any case, a da7c06d28d homeless child in such 1cd405d8bf a dangerous city late 623c9ce51f at night is easy 21b0d3d3b6 prey. One by a1a833158e one, he 02f28e25f6 turned around 29a4191735 after catching 3dc4a34236 the smell 716efd7d64 of cigarette 8eba3c01b7 smoke while 46b34e68b6 they were fc496ae233 chattering among 6fce22f530 themselves.419bd253750e45c6

“You shouldn’t have done that.”85f1b03fa940dbd4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

That was 7dbf181e7e meant for efb3012adc the kid.c19483035c4333fe

The one furthest away collapsed weakly first. The silenced pistol made a suppressed whooshing sound. If you’re going to kill, you need to strike first before the other’s gun goes off. If more than two or three shots are heard, there’s a higher chance of police showing up later. Once the corpses are discovered, an investigation would begin.cd4984c218c69084

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What the-?!”8759ea3e44e57e0c

They looked up in shock as someone who had been fine just moments ago collapsed all of the sudden. They hurriedly drew their guns after spotting Tennessee, but they weren’t even given the chance to properly pull the trigger once.3efe1e6312dd6dd5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Their weakened bodies collapsed as helplessly as a house of cards. It was a pitiful and futile end. Though Tennessee had never seen a death that wasn’t futile.81a3948a9ad72d9f

Everything ended quickly. Tennessee took one d463a296c6 final look around. After covering the blood-stained 8cb683e89a dirt with his foot 7108579e98 a few times, he f6293ca86d walked over to the ab23285c51 trembling kid.c9ed06a7bd441f16

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The fear cast over the child seemed so deep it would never fade. Tennessee thought this might be the first time the kid had experienced murder. Perhaps he would remember this moment and have nightmares, maybe even as an adult he wouldn’t forget this terror.29794a654f6a95d0

While it was a natural reaction for a child, Tennessee felt a slight sense of defiance. After dirtying his hands for his sake, he should be grateful, if he cries out that it’s dirty and scary without knowing his place, the gun might point at him next.f608b7ef764515a6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Tennessee rubbed his forehead. The irritation that had surged since finding the kid wouldn’t subside. With rough hands, Tennessee tore off the tape covering the kid’s mouth. The delicate body, extremely tense, was still trembling a lot. How will ccb6b3a583 he react? Just as Tennessee’s eyes were about to turn cold, as soon as the zip ties binding his hands were simply cut away, the kid hurriedly ran and hugged him.578d7ed1c28db03e

A hug. He wasn’t 6a75a3e368 expecting him 0156a3da02 to do c879f962ce that at 2928822d40 all.1e3d1b8a3022b000

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Tennessee… Tennessee…”acc22f72465bb7aa

The warmth of a 7671b79094 body pressing into his 3349c43640 arms. Tennessee sighed looking efda83c44b at the three 5ea1ab97c9 corpses. As he stood there c14e703e93 without responding, the kid c251d4ff47 hesitantly lowered his hands. There were clear marks 083a5f27f5 on his thin trembling 3ee76ddd9d wrists where he had a46c694f01 been bound. The kid slowly sank 5a2368bbc8 down as his legs 1d40d2aba3 gave out. His eyes 95606e5838 were full 5460b54368 of regret e9e1e8949d and self-blame.d677024899f714fb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Where is it, the magic scissors?”973efae2e026ecf9

The kid c58a53044e who had c3ac9dc837 been biting 6980307889 his lips 8443df2bd3 to avoid 5916438887 crying and 1db3fb6392 irritating Tennessee 410a5720de looked up.053122d469a64db8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I don’t… don’t have them.”8345405c5104e848

“What happened to them?”17eed08868a071bd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…They’re in the car.”89bd669768d6b607

Tennessee ran his hand 109b6ce484 through his hair.fce92259ea3b245b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“The gun?”1cfda7341ab9ef43

“…Still at the hotel.”efed5b46f30a1e29

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Money?”9084efccb51e2857

“…The money too.”a71cba0194900832

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Why?”115f515183699f54

He put a 4e7f6fb451 second cigarette in 27fd037cee his mouth.08381bd3b67aeb77

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Because it’s Tennessee’s… taking it would be stealing…”3453b2d0df86033f

“Why didn’t you take it?!”f46e087cf12070ed

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

At the thunderous shout that shook his head, the kid’s body froze. With a trembling body, he shook his head.24cc82df57ffdc94

“I didn’t… didn’t want to be remembered as a thief…”775f67910ae626f7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Answer properly, don’t cry like an idiot.The kid repeated to afd99ceac9 himself, trying somehow to 6f6147c2cb keep his senses.2a84d8f154343fc8

“Follow me.”8b53a87865516bc2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

With those words, b509360bae Tennessee left the 5ed94c5e93 place.fc363c2f4ff8f111

***a8ef264fd8c5be77

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Though there was no coercion, the kid moved with difficult steps as if being roughly dragged along by Tennessee. Tennessee’s pace was too fast to keep up with.d42f3542f7ca81f2

So he has been b8ee41cb0d considerate until now…4f4b60bb2bf4f278

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was even harder because there were many people blocking the view. Tennessee’s back would disappear to the edge of his vision just when it seemed within reach, and even when running with gritted teeth, he was always ahead.affbf8ca375f1f5f

So he f11964b86b has been b4413174e4 consciously slowing 0b24418d65 his pace 582fd88640 until now…aa69fc8f2cac5238

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The kid thought 634d547379 while desperately following. With only 0d4647592a the purpose c687112d5f of following f8dbfcf313 him remaining, d51458a095 he took fcbf6cd430 heavy breaths.6aac790b78def4c0

As soon 80ef5fbb11 as they 02ff93287e returned to d2567841da the hotel, 19d2bac41c Tennessee roughly 899001d5b1 threw off fadedb4a6f his outer fe84c1ee61 clothes. The sound felt 3b4087dc8d like a harsh 1639fa4f06 whipping, making the f16860ebfd kid flinch and b816d81673 shrink his shoulders.9798f1e788179f38

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Right after entering, Tennessee couldn’t help but laugh at the letter and bills left on his bed. Without even reading it, Tennessee crumpled the letter and gestured. The kid approached hesitantly.ae27daf5ad3020e2

Though he was clearly scared, strangely, it didn’t feel dangerous. Though he looked angry, Tennessee neither pulled at him nor handled him roughly. It was an unfamiliar trust.3202f70d8b19169f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Ah, so this 7fd2fd560b is what being fb2348a4ac scolded is like.The kid realized 3250184868 for the first 092f08ae70 time. For the c2e37613ef first time, da6cc72478 even though d2a1965da7 no physical 08b13b6647 methods were 29f0a0c492 used, he db0c570e58 tensed his 00ebbdc6c4 body and f90315f8be held his eb2e7f9fe2 breath.e1d5c280eda5c40f

“I taught you how to shoot, didn’t I?”a54e31894bbae4b1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Yes.”a694a64bdda872a3

“If you know how to shoot, why didn’t you take it?”7627bafec02052e9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Because it’s Tennessee’s.”0226cb04289211b6

At the ab2e94675c same answer 3a3c50673a as before, 50353a6af8 Tennessee pulled e62e9d8857 out his d3c3ce7a6e gun. Then he 4d04ca622f made the e1ef8b0022 tightly clenched b4f2a07eb2 hand open 0bec0759da and placed c3d9a2b67d the gun 6c54ce34d2 in it.2448cb14b9dc919e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Next time something like this happens, shoot right away. If you’re going to run away, take everything with you. Don’t try to leave a good impression by stupidly distinguishing between what’s yours and mine.”5758aecb181200ba

The kid, who had been nodding as if entranced while listening to Tennessee’s words, shook his head at the last statement. Though slight, he had a definite expression of will.24b81ae474d92953

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I don’t want to.”61292234de772886

“Why not? You deliberately left him behind. If you were going to leave the wallet, you should have taken all the money and left. You should have found a place to sleep, whether at a motel or hiding somewhere. You should have shot right away when suspicious guys approached you!”d28447c82a79028f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I don’t want to, I…!”56c6e58e48d9c5ee

“You still haven’t come to your senses? What were you trying to do without even a dollar? What were you planning to do tonight?! Do you know what kids your age do when he have no money? They end up delivering drugs in back alleys and selling his bodies. If you didn’t want to end up like that, you should have taken it!”c77a741b9f7f54a1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I would have shot them! If I had a gun, I would have killed them all! I wouldn’t have hesitated to kill them! But I don’t want Tennessee’s gun…!”c7f424e5fc67774d

“…What?”2323855ff43a46f7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry for disappointing you. But it was my first time…”aa06cac6dd2c7f61

The child tried 00e5cef2e1 to hold back a7b3c1481f tears while barely a5c365343a able to speak 15afff2770 through rising sobs. Tennessee was 310c429ce9 once again 5178b860ca facing those 36b2fa509e eyes he 99325b780e had first 921b190120 discovered. Even cornered in a 23205927a1 dead-end alley and extremely 0f6ca7c495 tense, the child was cc98abd843 saying this.616d06d4e0d68281

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

That he didn’t want to steal from him, that he didn’t want to be remembered as such a worthless person who repaid kindness in that way.c10cdf104fb7ff98

“I needed it too, so I thought about stealing it, but even just thinking about it made me feel sorry… No one has ever done anything like this for me. The bed was so comfortable… Even though we kept moving around, it felt like home. I wondered if this is what a home feels like. Even though it was just hotels and motels and cars, it felt cozy… I’m sorry, I won’t do it again.”4e09b97fdfa2af0f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Get out.”8821e76caf83ced0

“…Tennessee.”7a6b78fcb6a86b3b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Finally, tears welled up in the child’s eyes. The tears that had been brimming rolled down his flushed cheeks.a087b6b5c693df22

“You made your choice. I told you to stay here, and you left. That was your choice. Don’t come back.”87cf937661519e08

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…I’m sorry, Tennessee. I’ll be good.”5072c7f415e0943a

“I won’t say it twice.”4d43b824bb3b6cbe

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It felt like home, and I thought it would be better to starve than steal from someone who gave me such things… Tennessee!”8789aadde2c36c3d

Tennessee grabbed the child’s wrist and headed for the door. The child desperately called out his name.792fc5952d070e51

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Tennessee, Tennessee! Please!”b6be31a9a77bd726

“Look at yourself. Have some dignity.”26de0c5472de31ca

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The child sobbed. But the flickering fire didn’t go out. He bit his lip in anger and glared with his eyes. Full of resentment and grief. The child, who had been helplessly dragged along, suddenly shook off Tennessee’s hand roughly and stood on his own two feet.95f367bcaa34a2a2

“Fine, I’ll go.”740c32b326a13dc6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yeah, go.”d4491ef37ad8d371

“I said I’m going!”35d25ef9ea0b1acb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

That’s when it happened. Cutting through what seemed like the child’s plea, there came a knock. As the child hiccupped in surprise and both his gazes turned to the door, someone knocked on the hotel door again.526b6da79283520e

Tennessee left 5775c7bf26 the crying 57b293d823 child and da3425f898 checked outside 9467b55f47 through the 709189af2d peephole. Someone in a hotel 41ee2efe41 uniform was standing there. Behind him f1221c9f1a were two 5f46c5ea70 police officers.3b9c12130b7bf4fa

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Damn it.”73108e05657ff816

Tennessee cursed 5f3001de24 and roughly 59d45a9428 ran his 8650102556 hand through ed9b01cc03 his hair, 28dce8ef07 thinking whatever 984bf818ef will be, 896a9a58d5 will be. He shoved the 606304bb28 gun that had 82f626853d been taken out 236bcbefe7 during the earlier b8a2cb6779 argument into a e6d0ececbe drawer and composed 49a4c4b376 his expression. Then he opened 96d65687db the door.f83f624ee6cbd3d1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Yes? What can I do for you?”47c14476ac7b7039

They peered into the room with worried eyes, craning their necks. Then they looked back and forth between the sobbing child and Tennessee, their eyes narrowing as if looking at the worst kind of person. The child’s face was a mess with tear stains.85245a46a93c2c86

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Sorry for the late hour, but we received a report.”eab286b3d8f853d1

The blue eyes of the child, who had been crying loudly enough to shake the world, went wide. The child, who had been breathing heavily, looked back and forth between Tennessee and the police, trying to assess the situation. The police officers’ gaze moved from the child’s red face with tears still clinging to his chin, to Tennessee.ef003d7b0df517f3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Excuse me, but what is your relationship?”1552372be6e69ead

“This child is my…”9bee159feef59461

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Brother.”cdfe32747e8580a3

The child approached, 45c6fc968f still teary-eyed and 11d8e9ca25 hiccupping, trying to 67dd9a736f catch his breath.80a7ab963f691ea1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Brother… Age? May we check your ID?”084150cc1fc06ab6

“Why?” As Tennessee was about to go get his ID, the child instead asked in a defiant voice.d795a066945fc6e0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Child, are you hurt anywhere?”3f69e0c030c5b54c

The child c4fec57a38 shook his 695e8aa9a9 head repeatedly 4f73be5cd1 and reached af5a6e3feb out toward b6465c00cf Tennessee. Tennessee picked up the fdd4efa09b child with one arm. The child wiped his 2f06a73ee9 tears by rubbing his 52ebb3c87e cheek against the broad 3ba13a1ae2 shoulder and looked at 9c6ceedf5f the police.1842abd9eff43187

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Child, it’s okay, tell us. What happened?”4f98e0f0af3c5678

“Who are you to ask?”f0561f0fbc04a2a8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…That’s not how you talk to the police.”5363ec5567f7fbe6

At Tennessee’s scolding, the child turned his cheek to the other side. As the situation wasn’t what he had expected, the police officers appeared confused.5bcbb4bf2c3ae7f6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“We heard a child crying. Something bad could have been happening. As you know, the world is dangerous these days.”d78c7e614bcaeb5d

As Tennessee 3d3ad6fc05 was about a4a0685004 to open d9c541f23e his mouth 59d7f0a242 to think 65d4327a05 of an 92ee849052 excuse, the a4317f53e6 child blurted d5bcab0d3f out:dc58ff021a117b1e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I got scolded because I did something wrong.”8094fd51402a2264

“…He didn’t hurt you?”dc6e57c714bcec02

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The child shook his head repeatedly. While doing so, the way he glared at the police seemed to suggest that the police were the ones doing something wrong. He buried his face in Tennessee’s embrace as if silently protesting not to take his brother away.ba8771788fedc15c

Hmm.One policeman quickly wrote d67b53a512 something in his notebook.c317375243cf351b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Thank you for your time.”60e3adcda874d782

Tennessee implied the conversation was over with those words. The child waved goodbye to the awkwardly smiling police officers. Tennessee’s shoulder became wet where the child’s tear-stained cheek touched it.139b7ecbfc20a909

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As the door closed e6a8bf6b7a and the police officers 7e450518ea and hotel staff disappeared, 239308c6a2 Tennessee sighed. As he 402270472f tried to 4b2b08056d put down bc9141300a the child ad4836fc07 who was 026ef0bdbe stuck to 34d41cc693 him like 41a7d687a1 melted cheese, 603b6c6769 the child 5d11b1a3b7 tightened his 3e9246b936 grip around f1f292b24b Tennessee.fb9075e616f771a1

“Get down.”6d79d151efc127fc

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’m sorry.”71895ce7c91347b5

“…I said get down.”d4477789b49d5f83

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If I get down, I’ll cry here. I’ll cry loudly.”bdd78ec03ee6bd74

“Go ahead then.”ea6251c2e9572189

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…”89d2bbc28bfff936

Left with nothing to say, the child clung tightly with all his strength. He had a groundless belief that Tennessee wouldn’t hurt him.2fba830ff08c01fd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Please hug me tight.”b00fe81a8f9108b2

“Why should I do that?”e9f533f74ee59987

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Tennessee sat in 0f31ec4c5c a chair with 3d53e1f33d the child still 970ea64395 dangling from him. Then he searched a253c63bf3 his pocket and f647e43961 took out a 1d392658ba cigarette.e7c9e3416ba62f74

I don’t like the smoke… But feeling he wasn’t in a position to complain, the child buried his face in Tennessee’s embrace to avoid the smoke. However, even after a while, there was no sound of a lighter.0ce149cfedcd8dc2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

When he 56db45dbd4 lifted his 1ba289bff8 head, Tennessee 8f13f28099 had an d6b13ab434 unlit cigarette 6a36f2c1c8 in his 606bcb4aa1 mouth.fe4632a2d66df234

“Are you really going to kick me out?”9e979202091fb1ea

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You don’t listen.”068c4e14ecab7984

“I’ll really listen well now. I won’t run away.”a24793b27ade38ae

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“You were crying and begging earlier, and now suddenly you’ve got your spirit back.”9814a7ded870ed4f

Although it was a comment meant to provoke what little pride he had, the child didn’t take the bait.49a5973c9fc1d8e7

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I won’t do it again.”735545bda3852e19

The child, who had been resting his forehead against Tennessee’s shoulder, bumped it against him repeatedly in protest.ab32f8a584868aa0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

If Tennessee had yelled at him asking why he ran away, he wouldn’t have done this. If he had shouted asking why he didn’t listen and hit him, who knows. But Tennessee had scolded him for not protecting himself. What a strange adult. Someone so uniquely strange that the strangeness was becoming familiar.f9669219c94e2068

“Don’t fall asleep here.”ec55f17840f2e18a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Held in Tennessee’s embrace, the child started nodding off. As the tension released, an overwhelming drowsiness he had never experienced before came rushing in.82c98bfc7aa74853

“…Good grief.”82bc62fc1eaa8299

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

***7a3be313007f2850

When the d68d199390 child woke 15224db77d up, it 575980a4f0 was well b91b49f811 past lunchtime 8374cf93c1 in the 444aa3cccf afternoon.d0899eb575aadd3d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The child dazedly got 5c035effd3 up and looked down 13fc03cc85 at his wrist. Where the zip tie 77cc77126a had cut into his e2deb19ccb flesh and left bruises, 683ae0583a there was now a e03d701527 bandage wrapped around it. The child sat dazedly b4ef4f3448 on the bed.ec26b446e0519e8d

“Tennessee?”1021580d3134f1c9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The surroundings were 58ac8d1d3e too quiet. Occasionally horns could 3829c58eda be heard from c9b0c87ab8 outside, but there 381831fcc6 was no sign 988e6d6e39 of life inside 68d8299a20 the hotel.e6c882f4440b0ef2

“…Tennessee?!”c099253b504db8c7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The child jumped up. He wasn’t there. The ashtray was gone, and Tennessee was gone too. The child quickly went to the bathroom and flung open the door. And found Tennessee shaving.a1ee981de554cf5e

“…Oh.”f6b981b2e33c43e3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What.”68c945f79da17203

The child smiled sheepishly and quietly closed the door… then opened it again.4414a9c6d093f2a4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Is that a gunshot wound?”a081b0329948123e

Tennessee was shirtless, presumably about to wash up. Tennessee always maintained a neat appearance with clean suits and smoothly styled hair. But contrary to his pristine exterior, Tennessee’s body was covered in all sorts of scars. Burns, knife wounds, and what appeared to be round gunshot wounds.dd7bb414195e5c04

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah.”5af32adbd3ee2fac

“Where from?”3d03201f87c59097

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Afghanistan.”f5b3108add317e64

Tennessee moved 004f985324 the sharpened 622a768e59 razor. His sharp 9f684d5b48 jawline disappeared 7c757290eb under the 4e943a043b foam, then e75e933fe6 smoothly reappeared. The child stared 10b5c693c7 blankly at this a45b9062ff sight.9a2ffeb2f0605aa8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And that one?”40504f91163832eb

There were so many scars that Tennessee had to turn his head to follow the child’s gaze to know which one he meant.aa02d8ca97623004

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“This too. Gun.”c52c2b93e6501ec5

“…I see.”f4cdacafbc3e2b60

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

A sudden silence fell. The child blushed thinking about his shameful behavior yesterday. He got anxious again, wondering if he had shown too much of his vulnerable side. For the child, anxiety was like that. It never comes when you’re unhappy. It bursts through the door at moments of peace and steals away precious moments.f7f61ef98e9038b5

“Why were you looking for me?”7dbcf9c6f5dc1fae

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What?”4dd56e22cb21339b

Without turning his gaze a1595bb004 from the mirror, Tennessee 66befd173e asked quietly.ada9210d161f50de

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Just now, when you woke up, you were looking for me.”25f9d5001bd9f4d2

The child hesitated 23d53ad6f7 but finally told edcf794cf4 the truth.33222f5b5a9b6925

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I thought you had left…”40510ea0495ad486

Surprisingly, Tennessee didn’t mock him. He looked at the child for a moment and said,bc2a0b8b8962cbd9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’ll tell you.”4cbd6dbd8a7e432f

The child lifted be991f9d6a his head with b0f1edbd5c an awkward expression, 42ca762203 unsure whether to 4d90fe2eec smile or cry.697d3175c6824b45

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’ll tell you beforehand if I’m going to leave.”1a9d0db8f30f4642

“…Okay.”658f1dc04a2a6973

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It was at least more trustworthy than saying ‘I won’t abandon you.’ Even if Tennessee had said that, he wouldn’t have believed it anyway.8689851054f6e6c4

Tennessee remembered when he 1dc7c07d71 was abandoned. His father, who always 51e227c0e8 smelled of alcohol, disappeared efae792462 with a promise to d40dae8802 return. Leaving behind 0c6e70b1b1 his wife ab0bc17b46 who would 4dd8fbae27 vomit disgustingly 333b06af82 from all f7add6233b the drugs.f33b8aae6f42e573

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘Don’t go! Dad! Don’t leave me here! Take me with you! Dad! I’ll be a good child, I’ll listen well!’695451293e74c0aa

It wasn’t much different from the child’s pleading yesterday. No, he thought it was more pathetic. At least he and the child were strangers, and he had dozens of reasons to abandon the child, but his father didn’t. As a biological father, he had the duty and obligation to raise him, yet he left his sobbing flesh and blood behind. What was more cruel was what happened right before.fdc7606c5a3172a1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘I’ll be back, take good care of mom until then.’335772f0d1d06985

If he was 1c7dc0cbc9 going to abandon 474b7b2708 him anyway, if 89c5e487bb he was going f07d0f5bb8 to leave him d5f882c042 behind, Tennessee thought de30a3f492 it was courteous 3baafd1765 to teach him 9b3aec1467 as soon as 9fba586dc1 possible that he a6d8a805db had been abandoned 6348a68048 and must stand 6ea943ffc3 alone from now bdcab24017 on. Though he a3665cbbdf learned that a6deec37bb lesson in a86c5d1916 the painful 6fd74a0e7c way.d7657c033c5f78fc

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He kept waiting. While his mother spent 99c7b5ffcc the remaining money on 0b27359a27 drugs, and cockroaches and 850137bd1e rats infested the house, aa7540351e the young Tennessee slowly 809bb8b017 wasted away.ba097973970c6afe

Thinking his father 43fa9ddc1a might come back dd91d023a8 someday, he would 52fbdb3ae9 sit outside the 653a6e4c1a house and watch 4e90f1a932 endlessly. If only his father 6f4a856b98 had said then that 9d533061f1 he was abandoning him e47a9fc9e3 and to try to 7e3f387d82 live well on his 9f1bdad044 own, it would have 85cda5152f hurt, but he might 8678a1e715 have gotten back on c9074f000e his feet sooner.b7535f64a68b10ce

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Knowing this, Tennessee had e4f53e0c94 no intention of giving a4589cb18f the child false hope 2e03d8ae9d with empty words.3618fb0f690cf32c

He fell into a familiar silence. Tennessee was lost in his own thoughts, and the child in his. But it wasn’t uncomfortable or awkward. Although Tennessee had sent the child away saying he was going to shave, he couldn’t move his hand. He threw down the razor.43c8c558fc2054f9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Tennessee, Tennessee! Please!’2c1b3977dc6ac852

So what should b9d210163e he do?d7194a367450a558

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Once the 59f0f91b5c job was ecfc1f3770 done, he ab0000c436 planned to 517b92303b leave Texas 720ec34950 and part 9f2812adad ways with 9b3001c0d4 the child. He intended to lay cada84dccf low until he understood 091e0582ce the situation. And once everything was eba7573c5e resolved, he could go 1542079cd0 back to living his 76e58fcef9 shitty life as he e6407e1a85 always had.a1380bebeab69ff2

‘I’ll behave! Tennessee! Please, I’m sorry!’94315192b1c50687

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

But he kept clinging efa3189eca on.28d56e9a363aa6d3

‘I would have shot them! If I had a gun, I would have killed them all! I wouldn’t have hesitated to kill them! But I don’t want Tennessee’s gun…!’c7786b40fa0fa1da

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

At first, he was so tense he could barely hold on, but didn’t he end up seeking refuge in his arms? Tennessee moved unconsciously because the way he reached out with both hands felt so natural. Unlike when he first held him, he had gotten heavier. He got to know how to smile now, and even knew how to take care of those he considered his own.7da1a3cd3324b51a

‘Please hug me tight.’90e266cb033a0249

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

For the first time since becoming an adult, Tennessee couldn’t find a solution to the problem.8ddd8ddf7bab1314

***ded7ac55a54e0baf

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee looked at the clock. The child wasn’t here. He had sent him on an errand.bac0f4bf18ec04cd

The events from a few days ago must have left a strong impression, as the child didn’t want to go outside after sunset. But as if wanting to face his own fears, he insisted on going out alone, putting up a brave front. Since it seemed safe enough to go to a nearby restaurant in broad daylight within downtown, Tennessee told the child to go buy lunch.9167e44ed8963626

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You didn’t eat breakfast today either, right?”77e0b7c402432145

The child, who was halfway acting like a wife, set down the packaged food. When Tennessee held out his hand, the child handed over the receipt and change, and Tennessee left a twenty-dollar bill. “That’s your tip.” At those words, the child flashed a grin.fc7bc544687debd2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He’s beginning to learn 4299be1239 things like that only d11ae72543 now. Tennessee felt that somehow the child’s smile was beginning to resemble his own.f45e66135baf7ff5

While Tennessee smoked, the e787b45d2f child had already laid 2f8575b765 out the salad and 1c4fd30900 sandwiches on the table. He even urged him 20a2241ff3 with his eyes to d27e1eb4d9 eat quickly. Anyone would df09315282 think he 2c3bf9c6cd was the ef8a9a3dbc wife. Tennessee took f3958e4071 a big b9af87687e bite of 61e5e92672 the club f5d72775d6 sandwich. Then the 4c85ac838e child reached 0d384269ad for his ca60b791c9 portion of 3c2b7ef677 food.a745048eb4c9fca2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What do you do fb7a1d4586 for a living?”5c83bb2a3f22dd19

The child had been asking more questions lately. At first, responses like ‘shut up’ and ‘you don’t need to know’ worked, but now he wasn’t deterred by such answers.d6e262108bc393e5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I told you, I’m a soldier.”4726c3af643e5b97

“Yes, yes. So what’s your real job?”055efc7e6ac7b62e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…”1f9a5798cae32035

His handling f0524fc098 of situations 2d18ede9b3 had improved e2b3d6a0c6 too. It was hard to 919ab3cec7 tell who was really d838b81c0e in charge anymore.a5f0428182998cb2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Have you killed many people?”f64a8185de4ff93a

Tennessee, who was about to eat his sandwich, lost his words for a moment. This morning, the child had been groaning from nightmares. Tennessee knew that the killing from that day had left a deep impression on the child’s mind. What answer should I 9646177724 give him?While he was cad377fead pondering, the child 96df0c1d8b seemed to take 60b81e7c27 his silence as 4a1cba54d8 an answer and 0855a55e48 nodded.061ffe38148b3843

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Were they really bad people?”d283a0c053ebb82b

Having a mouth full of food was a good excuse. Tennessee just shrugged. He didn’t know whether he should lie, dodge the question, or not answer at all.f53b449d6e647911

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Conversation was easy for Tennessee. Brief, and only what he wanted to say. He didn’t speak about things he didn’t want to discuss. But with this child, it had been different from his first meeting. He hadn’t expected to easily reveal his destination when asked where he was going. It was half unconscious. Like reciting something memorized, whenever the child prodded slightly, he found himself opening up without realizing it.85199ae80132a29b

“How old were you then?”1c8442e8981b628b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Tennessee was gradually losing his appetite. This wasn’t the kind of conversation to have while eating. The only fortunate thing was that there wasn’t any cheap curiosity or interest in the child’s eyes. It wasn’t that Tennessee couldn’t understand him. Even after seeing the scars, the child particularly asked many such questions.7a3e6f83271ac297

Though clearly asking 1dbd098dc1 about people he 25928dee22 had killed, his adb9828de2 attitude was as 00cf19f15d if he was 2ed3b30b24 asking about who 731a84d961 had killed Tennessee. As if ca452431f4 Tennessee had 34eee91ef4 chosen murder 5dec256a6d as a 250a2dea15 last resort d084748613 after being ce8f3e2dc4 backed into 247f948219 a corner. But the reality was 62fd55d382 different.f31aa7263ee82c64

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee couldn’t decide whether he should wake the child from his fantasy and make him face the cold reality, or let him remain in his innocence. Children had always been difficult for Tennessee. Women were easier to deal with.c0d460561c927afc

“Hey.”f90657c9a70996b1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

When Tennessee finally spoke, 62a4b68ab3 the child quickly looked 51224e5f2b up.1ebbafbc2fe0ecae

“I’ll answer most things, but you need to be careful about what you ask.”ada04423dbddeefe

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was an incredibly ominous remark. With those foreboding words, Tennessee completely destroyed the child’s appetite, dragging it down to rock bottom, and then cheerfully finished his sandwich.6753eb8e5a08c6c0

This is 0ae0b9e852 what you d4b4c061d5 get after d86b968e3e ruining my f09a9c78a4 appetite.While Tennessee finished his cb54baac71 salad, sandwich, and drink, 608cbe37f5 the child had only 57f61dc256 managed two and a cd796a6c59 half more bites.6018508ed6fd19b7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Now he’ll be quiet.bf0e44f9764f4851

Tennessee prepared to go to the hotel’s fitness facility. During the past couple of weeks, driving was what he did most, followed by exercise. Since he’d been eating sweets with the child, his body felt heavy, so he ended up exercising more.5e0361816dfdf2bd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

When he took off his shirt, he could feel the child’s gaze. Even to Tennessee, his upper body was quite unsightly. Especially his arms, abdomen, and shoulder blades. Though he couldn’t see it himself, his back was also covered in small scars.88569a3a46e88b46

“Tell me.”2f4b425e9738e047

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Just when he thought 2e9d877d7f he had given up, 29a5bb96cf the child asked. After changing 6fb2fb604d into a 35eb26c19b comfortable t-shirt, 5f01f620ac Tennessee responded.edefcdf16bab70ee

“No.”28fec61668292d4e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Didn’t you just say you’d answer most things?”2cd54569c75a6acb

“This isn’t ‘most things.'”11ba101b8546abfb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With those words, Tennessee left the room, almost teasingly leaving the child behind. He could almost hear him fuming. What Tennessee had told the child was true. If there wasn’t much risk involved, he wanted to tell him. He didn’t know why. Even though the more he revealed, the more dangerous it could be for the child, and he might be overcomed by fear.f85f0530447909f7

Tennessee focused on 4cf880ea3a his workout. He consciously tried not 2597209291 to think about anything.22b56737cd0f6e63

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘Kid.’e3f714dfc0f733c1

Damn it.411c3d5535b178e8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

With irritation, Tennessee put b0587e0368 down the dumbbell. Only an hour had ecdfe3ebcb passed.630d49127ec22785

‘Kiddo, come here.’f7625d24f9214154

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Tennessee’s first kill was nothing special.ce023ff9ff011ba7

‘…Were they really bad people?’97fb41b0ab36a004

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee had never once opened up about his first kill. Because it wasn’t a medal of honor, but a nightmare.30b4c7f8dc88684f

***f3d39d38656a58a5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Upon returning to the hotel room, Tennessee called the child, who stared at the sweat-soaked Tennessee before scampering over. He noticed that Tennessee’s cheeks and neck were particularly red as his body hadn’t cooled down yet. He hadn’t noticed due to his pale skin, but this sweaty, heated appearance suited him too.74716bc3bb0bb121

The black clothes 634d1384b3 were already soaked dff9f2b14d with sweat. Tennessee grabbed the chest 3f378bcdce area of his t-shirt 394bb7e04e and roughly wiped his b58cbfd0b2 forehead.de2648134f1d2cd9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Hand.”3009234ebe4de554

Despite the sudden request, the child obediently held out his wrist. While the child thoroughly examined Tennessee’s face that hadn’t cooled down yet, he carefully looked at his wrist. Only about ten days had passed, and unlike his initial thin and bony appearance, now he looked taller and bigger. That was a change that quite pleased Tennessee.a0b022f0a27b5988

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Tennessee unwrapped the 7cc2f307cf bandage and checked 78c9272edb the wound. The dark bruising f12983c9fa that had been 3f9c452fc0 there was now 8b4019a83f almost gone. It was an amazingly 7f80382fea fast recovery.f8c2ce257a01d86a

“Say ‘E’.”94f9859616081149

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The child, true 1b40b1c18d to his age, 0633941dfe spread his lips 42720409bf wide, showing a fb2d43bec4 healthy color. Tennessee checked 8e69b9948a the inside 209dc09660 of the 0a0b83faff gums where f90c979830 new teeth 3aaacedfd4 were growing.192dd1880bea74c8

“Thank you.”c1cc41d53ff0ced2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The child said while looking into Tennessee’s eyes, and he nodded.2503c35152db8187

“Those guys from before, what did they do to you?”99d4204e36a3cd08

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

If I were to touch Tennessee’s back as he asks this, I might get burned,the child 980a14c691 thought absently. Coming back to his f838ad4898 senses, the child shook b001f9d2f5 his head.3d2f99f7944b92e1

“…They’re dead, right?”ab7e33c1184595f5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Tennessee nodded. They were just worthless bbea270289 thugs. Tennessee, who had exceptional eede7b8941 talent in handling guns, 5b7264eec8 knew exactly where he 6cadbe9fa8 had shot.16fb5cbd0b8c3f60

“What if it turns out they’re not dead and come back later like villains?”f8d0cfbd8c6d3f5a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…”3d896c7d25f51eb1

The child seemed quite 6c95b0d48c serious. He needed to make c21ff8fa77 him stop watching Netflix.243284fb966d79e1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Don’t worry about that.”0987459a2a17c603

“Okay.”1a12c2c479091559

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

After his imagination ran wide, he let out a sigh of relief at Tennessee’s words. Such behavior from the child was unfamiliar to Tennessee. Surely he isn’t 7da70249cf feeling relieved just f0b476c657 because I told 8dae11a1e0 him not to 386fdf4e29 worry…4d83c02477197a2e

Dummy. After being f71614e5a4 so wary cc1c5c0770 of people e405c6e104 at first, 99fc77fe81 now he 2009748640 trusts too 77d936f1ec easily.Tennessee, who 88c474b3e1 had stood 6f63b0813d up, opened fff4bb27ad the drawer c23c807907 and found d8e7c7010e something rustling 287f3607c2 in the dbb784bc13 corner. It was a2172ad30d a plastic 754300f395 bag. Tennessee untied the neatly e450dffe87 tied knot.405ed73f89f5b205

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Inside was the child’s jacket. It was something he had bought him not long after they met. He wondered why the clothes were in here, but then noticed dirt and dust falling from it.23c4cae660577950

It was 8385f3219b the clothes b6f20982f0 he had 952b53e4a4 worn when cb67ed4752 he was 50fc0a6e38 taken by 8b03d5a9d8 the gang, 8b44bc01d5 with traces 3e718f4d1a of rolling b05c3d21c1 on the 5db91fa627 alley floor 91ddfb816d still visible. Rather than paying to 1f40be400b have this cleaned, it ec06f9cfe8 would be better to a658399145 just buy a new ae1f8ad353 one.ecabef1e9ac2fadd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, that’s mine.”fd3d7d391e0447fd

“I know.”0ef88e0833e8d58b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Tennessee put it in the trash can, bag and all. The child’s mouth fell open helplessly.da2e25738a9fff3a

“You’re throwing it away?”d4e9641ab5301281

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’ll buy you a new one.”4346c7778706897e

“…”de280a479444ad6c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Isn’t it just dirty clothes anyway? Even though he said he’d buy a new one, the child’s expression didn’t brighten. Such incomprehensibility was again unfamiliar to Tennessee.7072f8fb7bc239d8

“You don’t want me to throw it away?”33a4332de090e3ba

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Yes. I’d rather you didn’t.”0c3e5affe6a77d9f

The child, who ef0aa1d1d7 answered honestly, retrieved 9ba400aeef the clothes from a655f13629 the trash can. With rustling 19cce2523d sounds, he c39a6e90ed pulled out a911f36b30 the jacket 50bbac19ec covered in 850be3388b dirt, dust, 0c398c4f53 and all dea3bee3f7 sorts of ec1ca55ee2 filth.8576d2f8b0a40318

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The drooping corners of b1066dae31 his eyes bothered him. The child tried 58a5d13fa3 to dust it 1a8c2fad60 off, but it 07e295ace7 was no use.60cf715fbc0ec639

Unable to watch his 5369052508 pitiful display any longer, 5a13b852d1 Tennessee picked up the 2bd7bda3f8 hotel phone. He pressed the button 78402c127d that connected directly to d8cc367ee7 the laundry service. After stating the type 8e6d5edfc4 and number of clothes a75fc249ee to be washed, he 7eac7d4c38 arranged for staff to c68b1c2e5a come collect the clothes.936c789a1c949877

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Put it here.”53c2193b84b72ac2

When he pointed to the basket, the child, understanding the situation, put the jacket in. His eyes sparkled like a dog receiving treats. Then Tennessee took an overall look at the child’s clothes. Though he wasn’t noticeably dirty since he had been washed somewhat, it wouldn’t hurt to have him properly cleaned here.dc0d9638193d99f1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Take off your t-shirt too.”7f4443e70b1d2e37

Though the child rubbed his bare shoulders with hesitation, he put the top in the laundry basket without a trace of doubt. It was such a different reaction from before. Tennessee couldn’t tell if the child was stupid or naive. He could be both. Feeling unsettled, Tennessee put a cigarette in his mouth.3c18c58eeea95eb3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Put that in here too.”6ec2a1440a4a0fa8

While giving the order, Tennessee’s eyes pointed to his pants. The child hesitated with his hands on the buckle before slowly taking off his pants.f5be5861a0fc4ed8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Now the child was wearing nothing but underwear. Although he had been dressed casually, he seemed self-conscious standing before the fully-dressed Tennessee and avoided eye contact. By this point, Tennessee was truly dumbfounded. You had to be careful even with people you’d known for years.46de3e9db096be74

“That too.”804214712e8a0acc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Tennessee’s words make the child’s hands reflexively move toward his underwear. The child, who was holding the waistband of his underwear, hesitated and glanced at Tennessee.4c8c27f0a590b270

He wouldn’t actually take it off, right? Just as Tennessee thought this and was about to speak, the child’s underwear faintly began to lower. At this point, Tennessee’s irritation immediately surfaced.da6337fa84f2e8f2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Are you stupid?”1ba69116d74d1853

“…What? But, you told me to take it off.”5d1116689a768350

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“If someone tells you to strip, you’ll just do it?”605b8a5b3205a387

“Not usually, but because it’s Tennessee…”368e10ff951b3fe7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What about me?”50708d2daead9e3d

Tennessee sat up. Feeling intimidated by f0376b514a that movement, the 3638d6788b child stepped back 7fe71d18de twice.408308806e118710

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Are you going to live your life doing whatever people tell you to do? Didn’t I tell you not to trust people?”cf6130acbf163f78

“But…”7b4b01a0cb379d49

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What did I say?”428bf85f50537c61

“…You said not to trust people. But,”a4565112c58079c4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Are you talking back?”f044ad4b2935fd25

“No…”736e096d41f5c2b6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tennessee took out one of his shirts and threw it to the child. Since it wasn’t thrown hard, the child caught it easily.683a8f8299c0c83c

Only then did the child hurriedly put on the clothes. Due to the size difference, Tennessee’s t-shirt reached down to the child’s hips.a7467f587ffb77b5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I can’t have him without clothes like this. Seems like I need to buy a jacket and more clothes.1637b3ec90d5ff8a

Just then, an employee 1cdce69666 came to collect the d39381e0af laundry and rang the d23db70752 bell. While handing over c77dd76f48 the clothes the dfab7f8f25 child had taken 40b9d7f708 off, Tennessee rubbed d68fbfacdb his head from 0dbb1d5bda needless fatigue.efa102ae21eebc65

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘Not usually, but because it’s Tennessee…’2dc14c0283b5c2a5

It was absurd. What had 9dba7c0d71 he done c11423064c to make 4a6d9ffc9c the child 0cb9ca75a1 so obedient? How long caddc95446 had it 22123ba042 been since b71b04ca9e the last 9fbf96af3e time the 237750ba89 kid had 2df024e2e7 been defensive? And yet, the funniest dc0b7108d8 part was how carefree 7d282626cb the kid still managed 1db9033581 to be. Even now, the b2ab074c9c child was sitting 781b13a27b carelessly watching TV.f458d63a92ca79bd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Come to think 43d0947b36 of it, I 8fa3efe808 didn’t shower after 8b326e3150 exercising.Tennessee threw off a3a3d0373c his own sweaty 21639582ab clothes. He was planning b8270ebc5e to cool his 887a327062 head while showering, 38a1c66089 but again a 63d0e4dd99 gaze fell on 27b2e44932 him.ab877a30619015ae

Despite being in 1340aada04 the wrong, the 2967a0172f child was sulking a6b1803d44 with pursed lips.9dd9f22f88818a8e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Stop looking at my body.”8a46d711dbb0cda0

“But Tennessee’s the one putting his body in front of my eyes.”54aadec69898c68d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As he had c92c73323a noticed several times 3b40950a7a before, the times a44c5b22e6 he talked back f7f7fe90f1 had increased.0cf5f2524e36f1e6

e96545b8787a40b1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

3e5db363b78b1cc8