20.
Lucas walked into his Aunt Mary's hospital ward, his heart shattered into a million pieces. The beeping of the machines and the antiseptic smell filled the air, but his senses were numb. He stared at his aunt's unconscious body, her frail form a stark reminder of his own vulnerability.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he recalled Janette's words: “Leave, Lucas.” The finality in her voice still echoed in his mind. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of regret.
“Oh, Aunt Mary,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I've messed up so badly. I've lost her. I've lost Janette.”
He pulled up a chair and sat beside his aunt's bed, taking her limp hand in his. The warmth of her skin was a faint comfort.
“Why did I do it, Aunt Mary?” he asked aloud, his eyes welling up with tears. “Why did I
