16. Burden Unveiled

"It has been a few days already; how long are we going to lie to Mother and Father?" Carlos questioned as they sat in Juan's office.

Juan, seated at his office desk, Marissa, and Carlos each occupied seats in front of him.

"Yes, Juan. Mother even asked when is he coming back; she and Father tried his number, but it's not reaching," Marissa added as Juan sighed.

"She also asked me. I told her maybe she should try again," Juan said, sucking his lower lip in deep thought.

"What do we do now, Juan?" Carlos asked.

"What do you guys think I should say?" Juan questioned. "Oh dear Mother, Father, your son is arrested and he is in jail with the charge of drugs. Is that it?" Juan asked sarcastically.

Miguel walked inside the office, asking, "What did you just say?" He looked extremely agitated and unwell, with clear signs of stress and sickness etched on his face, as if he might collapse any moment.

They all stood and stared at him; Juan hurried to his side and supported him. "I'll call t