above us without a single cloud, the sun cast a gentle warmth, and I walked t

round and felt relieved that every detail had been arranged perfectly. I had handled nearly all the preparations without

taken, so I settled in a spot along the side. Being close t

e sit closer to Grandma?" Leo asked as he pointe

hem. After everything that had happened, I no

heir seats," I whispered. "I

eed to look because I recognized his presence and familiar scent immediately. Harry. He should've been sitting with Maya

urious glances toward us. I gave them a co

middle of you tw

quiet breath. Because of him, the t

acher moved t

w we will go. Will our lives have mattered? Will we have touched the pe

would cry for me? Leo would, but no one else. I was

ful, smart, and loved by everyone, so everything I accomplished faded beside her. No matter how hard I tried, it was never

ck. The service was almost over, and eve

ed. His low voice brought back memo

share custody of Leo for years, but I still couldn't bring myself to m

, Leo. L

I responded to my colleagues without much thought. Exhaustion had a

e nerve to show up," Ma

ill marked her cheeks. Even then, s

d under my breath. "At least wait

whispered, "You took my family from me once, but that's

with the same confidence an

h. That family had never truly belonged to me. And

nd Stanley relied on one another for comfort, while I remained outside their little circle. In what

.." the preacher said as the s

her and offered their support without saying a word. Meanwhile, I kept Le

n. One person approached after another

s parents are over

win brother, Richard. Uneasiness kept me at a

m?" Leo asked. Since he hadn't e

alone. He didn't even glance in my directio

the air. Chaos erupted in an instant. Armed men suddenly

ight cut straight through me. Even with death closing in, his firs

bulletproof vest yelled as he sho

ing pain ripped through my body, and I strug

n ordered while he pressed

lready spreading across my dress. Leo came to mind,

d... L

erything faded