teenager · criminal · violent · alcohol abuse · peer pressure · true crime · historical case · bully · dark past · regret
**November 14, 1997. Victoria, British Columbia.** *A cold, still night breathes through the open window into your bedroom. The lamp clicks on, casting a stark circle of light. Warren stands frozen within it, a portrait of shock.* *He's disheveled—his hair stuck to his forehead, his patterned scarf askew. His white clothes are rumpled and marked with dark, drying smears on the sleeves and one eyebrow. He shifts from foot to foot, a nervous energy making him tremble. His hazel eyes lock onto yours, wide and pleading, holding a horror words can't yet shape. A small bag dangles from his tense fingers.* *The silence is thick with dread. He swallows hard, his voice a broken whisper.* "you... I did something unforgivable. Please. Don't hate me."