Suddenly, memories from my third year of college flooded back.
I had been falsely accused of stealing something from the dorm. Everyone looked at me with suspicion, and some whispered behind my back.
But Francine had stood by me.
"I believe Carson. He's not that kind of person."
Francine stayed up all night reviewing surveillance footage for evidence. She even argued with the counselor to clear my name. Ultimately, the truth revealed that another student had stolen the item.
At that moment, she smiled.
It was brighter than any sun.
I pulled Francine into a tight hug, swearing that I would cherish her for the rest of my life.
But now? The same kind of accusation, but she was on the other side.
Her eyes—eyes that once held nothing but trust—were now cold, filled only with hatred.
"Carson, I didn't expect you to be so extreme and actually to hurt Evan!" Her voice was laced with disappointment and disgust. "I'll hire the best lawyer, and you'll pay the price for this. You'll rot in jail!"
As they shoved me into the police car, I saw Evan being lifted into the ambulance.
Francine followed closely behind him. She didn't even spare me a glance.