The sanctuary fell completely silent.
No one dared to breathe.
Evelyn's hands trembled as the cassette continued to play.
Her mother's voice was gentle, yet laced with sorrow.
"My sweet Evelyn..."
"If you're hearing this, then you've become the brave woman your father and I always believed you would be."
Tears streamed down Evelyn's face.
She had spent years trying to remember her mother's voice.
Now it filled the room.
"I'm sorry we couldn't stay."
"Leaving you was the hardest choice we ever made."
Anthony quietly stood beside her, saying nothing.
Some moments were too sacred for words.
The recording continued.
"We never abandoned you."
"Every step we took was to keep you alive."
Benjamin lowered his head.
Mercer closed his eyes.
William had been telling the truth.
Evel
