“Fiona, dear, please accept it,”

She stood motionless, her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders burdened with an invisible weight. The gentle murmurs of concern from those around her felt distant and hollow, like a lullaby sung to a ghost. Fiona’s silence screamed louder than any word she could have uttered.

Finally, she raised her head, her lips curling into a cold smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Okay, I’ve heard you all,” she said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion. “He’s gone now. Excuse me. I want to see him... one last time.”

Without waiting for a response, Fiona turned and began walking away. Her steps were heavy,...