NO!”
The scream that tore out of me didn’t sound human. It echoed in the basement, bouncing off the concrete like a taunt. I grabbed her, clutching her body close even though I knew I was too late. Too damn late.
“I promised,” I whispered, pressing my forehead to hers. “I promised I’d bring you home.”
But all I brought back… was silence.
Later that day, the church was filled wall-to-wall. Black suits, veils, hushed whispers. The scent of incense lingered, trying but failing to cover the weight of death in the air.
I sat in the front row, shoulders heavy, hands clasped together as if trying to hold myself from falling apart. Ethan sat beside me, staring blankly ahead. His face was pale, drained. His hand clutched a worn-out handkerchief but he hadn’t wiped his tears in hours.
People c
