Chapter 4. His Real Name

Morgan's voice echoed from the other side of the door, calling my name with concern. Part of me wanted to block it out, to hide away from everything that had just transpired, but I knew she was only trying to help. Reluctantly, I opened the door, revealing Morgan's worried expression.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and understanding. "I can't believe you were able to handle that so well."

I managed a weak smile, a mask to hide my true turmoil. "Yeah, well, sometimes you just have to keep it together, right?" I replied, my voice betraying the shaky ground I stood upon.

Morgan stepped closer, gently placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Was that Pier? He actually looked different from the pictures you showed us. But at least he's here now. That's what matters."

I nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion.

"Do you still want to do this despite what happened?"