The Boy In Apartment 17

The Third Person

Naomi looked at her mother.

Then things got weird with Eli.

Claire didn’t answer.

Mom kept quiet.

He disappeared.

You said he left with Ethan.

Yeah, but I saw him.

Claire’s face went pale.

Then you didn’t see Eli.

Naomi just lowered her head.

He told me his name.

Anyone could say that.

He knew my name.

Claire left.

How?

I don’t know.

They just sat there in silence.

Naomi started remembering the picture.

The one of Ethan, Claire, and the boy whose face was scratched out.

She took it from her room.

Who is this?

Claire stared at the photo.

Her hands shook.

I don’t know.

You’re lying.

I don’t know who that is.

You told me there were three of you.

There were.

Ethan. You. Eli.

Claire nodded.

Who’s the fourth person?

Her face changed.

Naomi picked up the photograph from the table.

There are four people here.

Claire stayed silent.

Naomi pointed at the scratched-out face.

You knew him.

Her voice got small.

Who was he?

Claire’s eyes filled with tears.

His name was Daniel.

Naomi waited.

What happened to him?

He was Ethan’s brother.

Naomi’s heart dropped.

Ethan had a brother?

Yes.

And you said he disappeared too.

Claire nodded.

Six years ago.

Naomi stared at the photo.

Then why did someone scratch his face out?

Claire looked toward the window.

Because Daniel was the reason Ethan disappeared.

Naomi felt the air leave her chest.

What do you mean?

But Claire just stared at the picture, lost in memory.