Alina's Pov
"How... when?"
Theodore takes a step closer, his expression softening as he reaches for my hand again. "Earlier today," he says gently. "I'm so sorry, Alina."
I feel a strange numbness wash over me, a mix of shock and disbelief. "I... I don't know what to say," I stammer, my voice breaking.
"It's okay," Theodore murmurs, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "Take your time."
I cling to him, the weight of the news pressing down on me. The room fades into the background as I try to process the reality of my father's death, feeling Theodore's steady presence grounding me in the midst of my turmoil.
I stand there, wrapped in Theodore's embrace, but all I feel is a strange, unsettling numbness. No sadness, no remorse, just a void where my emotions should be. The news echoes in my mind, but it feels distant, as if it's happening to someone else.