MARIE

The moment I stepped into the living room, my feet stopped.

My breath caught in my throat.

No.

No… it couldn't be.

It shouldn't be him.

But even from behind, I knew that building. That posture. That quiet stillness that always made the air around him feel heavy.

My mother was sitting with them, laughing softly like she had known them forever. My father looked relaxed too. The guests were clearly important.

Important enough for my mother to behave in this manner.

But my eyes ...