New York, Mia

The weight of the shocking events of the day bore down on me as I entered the house, and the first thing I noticed was the somber atmosphere. Bella opened the door for me, concern etched on her face. Kieran was seated in the living room, and Bella’s flustered demeanor hinted at the intensity of the news.

“Are you alright?” Bella inquired, her voice filled with sympathy.

I took a deep breath and nodded, though the turmoil in my mind was far from settled. “Yes, I am. I didn’t know Kieran was here.”

Kieran, usually a man of few words, spoke up. “I just came by after...