Chapter 1: The Fall
Chapter 1: The Fall
And just as Preston began rising onto his feet for the very first time in ten years—
His legs collapsed.
The terrace erupted in gasps.
Several guests rushed forward instinctively, but Preston hit the marble floor before anyone could catch him.
The child didn't move.
She simply watched.
Preston's heart pounded violently inside his chest.
For one brief second, he had felt it.
Movement.
Strength.
Life.
Something impossible.
He pushed himself upward, breathing heavily.
"Again," he whispered.
The crowd stared.
The child tilted her head.
"Why?"
Preston looked at her as if she had asked the most absurd question in the world.
"Because I want to walk."
The little girl remained silent.
Then she asked softly:
"No."
The crowd exchanged confused looks.
"No?"
The child pointed toward the city lights below.
"You want to control everything."
Preston froze.
"You want people to admire you."
Silence.
"You want to prove you're powerful."
Every word landed like a stone.
The guests shifted uncomfortably.
The little girl continued.
"But you don't want to heal."
For the first time all evening, Preston had no response.
May you like
Because somewhere deep inside himself...
He knew she was right.
