After receiving my message, Ruby frantically searched for me until she got the call from the police station.

I watched as she burst into the room, her hair disheveled. I wanted to smooth it for her, but my hand passed through her as if she were a ghost.

“My dear, why didn’t you tell me sooner? It’s my fault. I should have been there for you every day, even though I sensed something was wrong,” she cried uncontrollably beside my lifeless body.

I wanted to tell her it wasn’t her fault; I was just exhausted, too tired to keep going.

Behind her, my parents and Noel arrived. When Ruby saw...