21. Straighten up

"He's dead," said Barlie.

The acute phase struck with lightning speed. Shey collapsed over the body of a child, the oldest of the other children. Fifteen years old. Soon, he would grow up and be ready for serious training. But illness dashed the hopes of Shey and the other RED-EYEZ members.

"Oh, no ...."

Shey turned around and hugged Thom. Thom's hands pushed her back to make her more comfortable. Meanwhile, his was wet with tears of pain. Physical pain would never have been this hard to shed tears. Disappointment, despair, and anxiety wrestled, creating deep wounds.

After Shey's sobs subsided, Thom moved to release her embrace. She was the girl who used to be as strong as a thunderbolt but now looked fragile. She couldn't stand properly, so Thom had to hold her shoulders.

"It's not over yet, Shey. It's going to be okay," Thom said.

Shey raised her head while busily wiping her tears. Someone handed her a handkerchief. Shey's gaze gradually rose, following who the owner of the writing