In the quiet darkness, Eliana's voice broke the silence, choked with sobs. "Samuel, is what Soph said true?"

Her words carried both desperation and fragile hope. She didn't want to believe it. Even if they were deceiving her, she wouldn't blame anyone, as long as it wasn't true. She just wanted Samuel to be healthy, to be okay, to never leave this world before her.

"Eli..." Hearing her choked sobs, Samuel couldn't hold back any longer. He stood up and pulled her ...