CHAPTER SEVEN: TURNING POINT

Present Day

Lily

The rain had started just as we stepped out of the church, a perfect blend to the day already soaked in sorrow. My mum and I were dressed in black, our mourning outfit befitting for the grief that squeezed our hearts. She still looked as fashionable and elegant as she did every other day. I suppose I looked graceful as my mother had picked out my dress. Her hand was cold in mine and her sunglasses hiding the tears I knew streamed down her face. My own eyes were swollen and dry from crying, I could barely see.

The service had been long. I barely registered in my mind words of comfort from friends and family. I kept thinking about Dad, how I would never hear his laugh again, never feel his arms around me in one of his warm hugs. As we descended the steps, I just wanted to get home and curl up in my bed, away from everyone and everything. I needed to drown out the noise.

As we reached the end of the church steps, a sleek, black car screeched to a halt facing us.