END OF FLASHBACK

Irene's eyes refocused on the present, precisely the glass of water in front of her, the sounds of the bustling restaurant replacing the echoes of her thoughts. She sat across from Ivy and Judy, the dim lighting and soft hum of conversation enveloping them.

"He showed himself to you?" Ivy's eyes widened in surprise, her voice laced with doubt. "He's alive, then why is he hiding from me? I don't understand." Her gaze drifted, welling up with unshed tears.

Judy gently stroked Ivy's shoulder to calm her down, her eyes fixed on Irene, whose lips were twitching in anger.

Their table, nestled in a quiet corner of...