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I hear Maxwell’s feet stopping behind us, and Phoenix climbs off his back

Langston motions with his head for me to follow him to the side of the house I do Maxwell and Phoenix don’t follow us

Langston approaches the small wooden door on the side of the house He knocks four times and then waits

My heart is pu to happen next Ahappens

My heart sinks

This was all a wild goose chase, wasn’t it, father? You sent me here to ruin my life

The door opens

My eyes widen, and then an older bald man with a white beard steps to the door He doesn’t speak, just stares at Langston

“A Dunn is here to collect what’s hers,” Langston says

The ston to host His ears perk like he can’t believe what he just heard

“You

My thuer that will never have a ring

I look to Langston He’s not wearing a ring either Weird—I guess I never noticed or thought about it before

“No,” I say

“I aston says