Chapter 79

We pulled up at the church and I walked out of the car with Austin. He has a sunglass on and is refusing to remove it no matter what. I guess he put them on to make things easier for him. I understand that he doesn’t want people to see him crying, especially in a crowded place like this.

Austin and I walked together, our footsteps echoing in the quiet church. He seemed lost in his thoughts, avoiding eye contact with anyone. As we matched to our seat all eyes were on us but Austin acknowledged no one as he found his seat. I sat down beside him, a comforting presence by his side.

In the next minute, the pastor's voice filled the air, speaking words of tribute and remembrance for Jacob. Each word struck my heart, a bittersweet reminder of the void left by his absence. It still feels surreal, like a cruel twist of fate that Jacob is no longer here with us.

While the pastor's words filled the entire room, I couldn't tear my gaze away from the somber sight of the closed casket positioned a