All Chapters of OUR MOON HAS STRINGS: Chapter 51 - Chapter 54

Derrick’s HomeRiley stepped out of the car and handed his driver a quick nod. The guards knew him by name here. Everyone did. So, none of the servants stopped him from going inside.He clutched two chilled cans of Derrick’s favourite imported drink, and the recent video game he’d talked about. It was a bribe, Riley admitted that to himself.He hadn’t been the best friend lately. His focus had shifted more to school, Valery, and his health. He missed Derrick’s daring nature and the way he could make any terrible situation worse by laughing at it.It was time to reconnect.Some of the maids greeted him, informing him where his friend was. But Riley paused near the staircase.Something sounded off. Raised voices. Footsteps.He stepped up a few stairs, quietly.At the top, sweet feminine voice echoed: “Don’t be so uptight, Derrick. I’m only checking in.”Riley’s brow furrowed. It was Derrick’s stepmother standing far too close to someone who supposedly despised her.“No one checks in wit

Riley found Ryan where he always was lately, holed up in his room, pretending not to care about the world outside. He nudged the door open with his foot, balancing dinner. Ryan refused to eat all day and it made their mother more disturbed.Ryan didn’t look up. He was curled on his bed, scrolling aimlessly on his phone. “If this is an intervention, I’m too tired for it.”“Let’s eats together. I figured it might help you build appetite,” Riley said, lifting the tray like an offering. He placed it on the bed and settled down across from Ryan.His brother did not reject the food this time. They finished it together, almost fighting over chicken. It was wholesome and nostalgic, something they hadn’t done in a while. Ryan shifted his gaze when Riley revealed a small cup filled with pills. Medicine for both of them- but mostly Ryan.“We need to talk.” Riley said when they were almost done.“Oh boy,” Ryan muttered, but sipped the pineapple juice anyway.“You should apologize to Mum,” Riley s