“He promised me he wouldn’t go far.


    He should be just around the corridor,” Raegan replied with certainty.


    Erick fell silent again.


    “Raegan!” Landen suddenly interjected.


    “Mitchel hasn’t been around for…”


    “Father!” Erick sharply cut him off, causing Landen to halt.


    After a brief pause, Erick suggested, “You take the children and Janey outside first.


    ”


    Landen’s eyes met Raegan’s, conveying a deep sadness as he nodded slowly.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Once only Raegan and Erick remained in the room, she persisted, “Erick, why aren’t you going? I want to see Mitchel.


    ”


    “Raegan…” Erick’s face was marked by reluctance and sorrow.


    “Mitchel… He…”


    Erick choked up, unable to continue, and after a moment, he gathered his courage and said, “Mitchel… He’s not here.


    How could you forget?”


    “What? Erick, what are you talking about?” Raegan sat up abruptly.


    “What kind of joke is this?” She had seen Mitchel just over an hour ago.


    How could he be not here.


    .


    Clinging to a sliver of hope, Raegan asked, “Since he’s not here, where did he go?”


    “Raegan.


    ” Erick exined slowly, “When I say he’s not here, I mean he has passed away.


    He died five months ago from a gunshot wound that was fatal…”


    The room fell silent.


    Raegan felt as if she had been struck by Lightning,pletely stunned.


    “Dead…” Her lips trembled as she struggled to form the words, “You’re saying Mitchel… He’s dead?”


    “Yes.


    ” Erick paused, his voice hoarse after a long silence.


    “He’s dead…”


    Raegan’s entire body froze.


    Tears streamed down her face, unchecked and rapid.


    “How could it be…”


    Raegan couldn’t ept it, whispering in disbelief, “No, it’s impossible… Erick, Mitchel had talked to me a while ago.


    He promised to wait for me…”


    “Mitchel had passed away, Raegan.


    ” Erick embraced Raegan, and the siblings wept together, their sorrow profound and raw.


    Through her tears, Raegan’s mind reyed the scene.


    She saw the cold steel door marked “Mortuary.


    ” Pushing it open, she was confronted by a stark, lifeless form on the metal examination table, concealed by a white sheet.


    Raegan’s body shook violently at the sight.


    “Mitchel…” she cried out, her voice filled with agony.


    Her heart felt as though it would shatter.


    Why… Why…


    She silently implored, “God, can’t you see what you’ve done?”


    At that moment, Katie’s haunting words echoed in Raegan’s thoughts.