Chapter Sixty-seven

Brenda’s heart pounded in her chest as she anxiously paced back and forth in the living room. She clutched her phone tightly in her hand, waiting for the call that would determine her sister’s fate. Damien, her husband, stood beside her, his face etched with worry. He reached out and gently placed a hand on her trembling shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. They were all consumed by an agonizing mix of fear, uncertainty, and relentless worry. The rest of their family gathered around too, their faces etched with sorrow, desperate to offer any semblance of comfort to the tormented couple.

Carla sat across from them on the soft couch, her eyes filled with concern. She reached out and grasped Brenda’s other hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The room was thick with tension, each passing second feeling like an eternity.

Damien’s eyes dimmed a bit, memories of their high school days flooded back, when they were all just carefree teenagers. But then their lives had taken diffe