CHAPTER 14

I felt a sense of purpose and resolve wash over me, and I knew that I was one step closer to finding out what really happened.

I turned to Mrs. Jenkins, who was still sitting in the chair beside me, and nodded. "Let's go," I said, my voice firm.

Mrs. Jenkins stood up, and we both turned to Dr. Ryan, who was still sitting behind his desk.

"Thank you, Dr. Ryan," I said, my eyes locked on his. "I appreciate your help and honesty."

Dr. Ryan nodded, his expression sympathetic. "Of course, Aries. I'll keep you updated on the autopsy and any findings. Remember, it's going to be a tough road ahead, but I'll be here to support you."

I nodded, took a deep breath, and turned to leave. Mrs. Jenkins followed close behind me as we walked out of Dr. Ryan's office and into the hospital corridor.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.

I knew that I was getting closer to the truth, but I also knew that it wouldn't be easy. I steeled myself for what was to come, my heart pounding in my chest.

When we reached the hospital entrance, I saw Kelvin, my father's bodyguard, waiting for us. He was standing by the door, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Miss Aries," he said, as we approached. "I've been waiting for you. Your father instructed me to escort you home."

"Let's go," I said to Mrs. Jenkins, and we followed Kelvin out of the hospital.

As we walked to the car, Kelvin asked, "Miss Aries, are you sure you're okay? You seem a bit shaken."

I nodded, trying to appear calm. "I'm fine, Kelvin. Just a bit overwhelmed."

Mrs. Jenkins placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "We'll get through this, Aries. Together."

Kelvin nodded and opened the car door for us. We slid in, and he closed the door behind us.

As we drove away from the hospital, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. I knew that my father was going to be upset that I had spoken to Dr. Ryan, and I wondered what he would say when he found out.

Mrs. Jenkins seemed to sense my tension and placed a comforting hand on my knee. "It's going to be okay, Aries. We'll face whatever comes next together."

I nodded, trying to draw strength from her words.

When we arrived at the house, Kelvin opened the door for us and followed us inside. My father was waiting in the living room, his expression stern.

"Aries, I see you've been busy," he said, his voice firm.

I stood tall, trying to meet his gaze. "I just want to know the truth, Father. That's all."

My father sighed and rubbed his temples. "We'll talk about this later. For now, go to your room and rest. You look exhausted."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions - anger, frustration, and fear. But I knew that I had to be careful. I had to play along, at least for now.

As I turned to leave, Mrs. Jenkins placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "I'll be right here, Aries. Don't worry."

I nodded and headed to my room, my heart pounding in my chest.

One week passed in a blur of grief and uncertainty. I went through the motions of daily life, but my mind was consumed by thoughts of my mother's death and the unanswered questions surrounding it.

I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending nightmare, with no escape from the pain and sadness.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I received a call from Dr. Ryan. I hesitated for a moment before answering, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Aries, I'm so sorry it took me this long to get back to you," Dr. Ryan said, his voice sympathetic.

"We've finished the autopsy and investigation, but I'm afraid we didn't find any fingerprints or DNA evidence that could lead us to your mother's death."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. All hope seemed to drain out of me, leaving me feeling empty and defeated.

I had been counting on finding some answers, some closure, but now it seemed like that was never going to happen.

"What does this mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"It means that we won't be able to identify your mother's murderer," Dr. Ryan said gently. "But we can still hold a funeral and lay your mother to rest. Sometimes, closure comes from saying goodbye, even if we don't have all the answers."

I nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Okay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Please, just close the search. I want my mom to be laid to rest."

Dr. Ryan sighed. "Of course, Aries. I'll take care of it. Your mother's funeral is tomorrow, isn't it?"

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yes, it is."

"I'll be there," Dr. Ryan said. "And Aries? I'm so sorry again. I know this isn't the outcome you were hoping for."

I thanked him and hung up the phone, feeling like I was drowning in grief.

I had lost all hope of finding out what really happened to my mother, and now all I could do was say goodbye.

I sat in the window, my legs tucked under me, and my eyes fixed on the sky outside. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over everything.

But I didn't notice its beauty. All I could think about was my mother, and the fact that I would never see her again.

As I whispered "Goodbye, Mom. I will always love you," tears began to roll down my cheeks. They fell silently, dripping onto my lap, as I sat there frozen in grief.

I felt a lump form in my throat, making it hard to breathe. My chest ached with a deep sadness, as if my heart was breaking all over again.

I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall freely, as I remembered all the happy moments I had shared with my mother. I remembered her smile, her laugh, and her warm hugs.

As I sat there, lost in my memories, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was as if my mother was with me, telling me that everything would be okay.

I opened my eyes, and gazed out the window again. The sky was now a deep shade of pink, with hues of purple and blue. It was beautiful, but it didn't bring me joy.

All I could think about was my mother, and how much I missed her.

I sat there for a long time, tears streaming down my face, as I said goodbye to the woman who had given me life.

I knew that I would never forget her, and that she would always be with me in spirit.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I finally stood up, and walked away from the window. I knew that I had to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it was.

My mother would want me to be happy, and to live a full life.

But for now, I just needed to grieve, and to say goodbye.