Raphael remained silent, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

Eventually, he responded in a hushed tone, “Yes, you're right. They're not coming back. You'll stay with us now."

Brantley rested his chin on his knees, lost in thought.

He was young and didn't fully comprehend the concept of loss, but he had a vague sense that he had lost his dearest loved ones.

Once Raphael had left with Brantley, Elissa finally roused herself from bed.