Just a moment before the traffic lights changed…


    Matthew gazed at Ste and murmured, “Life is unpredictable; thus, we must look ahead.


    We’ll seek justice for Farris.


    ”


    Ste stayed silent, touching the photo, seemingly transported back in time.


    She rested against Matthew, finding sce in his gentle embrace.


    Soon, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she drifted into sleep.


    Matthew carefullyid her down, tucked her in, and sat by her side.


    Holding her hand, he gazed at her peaceful face, silently vowing, “You’ll be okay.


    When you get better, we’ll find your mother.


    ”


    The day theyid Farris to rest was just as gloomy and rainy as the day he had that fatal car crash.


    Matthew, caught up with the final checks at Fairwa, couldn’t be there with Ste for the funeral.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    At eight in the morning, the ceremony started.


    Ste, d in a somber ck outfit, stood under a ck umbre next to Aileen.


    She was unfamiliar with funeral customs, and Farris’ adoptive parents, though aware of his demise, seemed too lost in their grief to focus on anything but their tears.


    Matthew had taken care of all the funeral arrangements.


    At the service, they disyed arge photo of Farris, taken when he graduated.


    He looked so young and pure in it, his smile always gentle, always bringingfort to those around him.


    Since Farris grew up in an orphanage, most of the attendees were the doctors and nurses he worked with.


    Aileen, unable to contain her sorrow, wept in Ste’s embrace.


    Suddenly, she pulled away, copsing in front of his headstone.


    Tears streaming down her face, she wailed, “Farris, my son, how could you leave your father and me to live without you? It’s all my fault.


    I never should have pushed you to reconnect with the Hughes family.


    I’m so sorry.


    I’ve made a terrible mistake.


    I’m the worst…”


    Ste bit her lip, fighting hard to keep her own tears at bay.


    She still couldn’t ept that Farris was gone.


    After the funeral, Farris’ father, looking worn and much older, was about to leave, holding Aileen.


    He gave Ste a tired nod.


    Ste, holding Aileen’s hand, said, “Aileen, take care of yourself, okay? Farris would want that.


    And if you need anything, just tell me.