I stood frozen, completely stunned.

If Aunt Catheline’s condition had been dire, I might have been able to prepare myself for the worst. But Uncle Joe? He had been perfectly fine. How could he be gone, just like that?

“H-how did my uncle… what happened?” I stammered, my voice shaky.

“It’s best if you come here. We’ll explain everything,” the nurse replied before abruptly hanging up.

I stared at the phone for what felt like ...