22#22

22

"Don't worry if you're not comfortable using that term yet," Richard reassured gently. "I can be patient until you're ready."

Regaining his composure, he grasped her hand as they made their way to Wanda's residence.

To their surprise, someone was already there, waiting by the entrance.

In the weeks following Wanda's apparent demise, Eric was a shadow of his former self. He went through the motions of organizing her memorial service.

His retired father was compelled to return to the corporate world to manage the company's growing public relations issues.

Fortunately, they were able to contain the situation before public sentiment could spiral out of control.

Nevertheless, Eric sank into despair. He isolated himself in his room, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He struggled to accept that he had inadvertently caused the death of the woman he loved.