#Chapter 181: Loss of Passion

Abby “Abby, I…” Karl’s voice wavers ever so slightly, his words trailing off. There are a few moments that feel like an eternity as his eyes dart around the room, and I feel like I can’t take it anymore. “Karl, just say it!” His eyes widen slightly as my voice raises an octave, but I’m not backing down. I need to know what Logan meant; I need to know what this secret is that Karl seems to be keeping. “Alright,” he finally says. “Can we sit down, though?” I almost consider saying no, but the look in his eyes makes me soften. I nod and follow him over to the couch, where we both sink down onto the cushions, or knees touching. I’m perched on the edge of the seat, watching him intently as my fingers worry the hem of my shirt. “Go on.” He takes a deep breath, and finally he speaks. “On the day of the competition, I wasn’t being completely truthful with you,” he says quietly. “Yes, it’s true that I didn’t try to bribe the judges or anything like that. I did just wa