'The deceased? Lydia... dead?'
Ethan staggered backward, nearly collapsing to the floor as disbelief crashed through him. "How is that possible?" he muttered hoarsely. "How could she be dead...?"
He refused to believe it. The moment the thought formed, he turned and bolted from the room. If Lydia had truly died, the hospital would have records. There had to be proof.
Ethan sprinted toward the office so fast he was almost stumbling over himself. When he burst through the door, he saw his friend standing beside the desk with a record book in hand. The man looked up, immediately understanding why Ethan had come, and let out a heavy sigh.
"Ethan... my condolences."
A sharp ringing exploded inside Ethan's ears. He stood frozen for several seconds before finally forcing himself forward and
