Missed target

Maureen was now sobbing uncontrollably. She had intended to console Ryan and hold him, but instead, she found herself in need of comfort.

Allen observed the scene before him, his heart heavy. He had only met Aunt Hanna once—during his first visit to Ryan—when she had revealed the details of Ryan and Lilian's lives. Though their interaction was brief, he knew how much she meant to Ryan and his fiancée, Lilian. Seeing Ryan's devastation, he shuddered to think of the chaos that would have ensued if Lilian were here.

"Ryan, please, calm down," Allen said gently, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his friend's back.

Ryan, however, was trembling. His eyes were dry, but the pain was evident in the way his body quaked. He managed to utter only one word, "Aunt," repeatedly, his voice breaking with every repetition.