CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO

As I walk through the shower room, I yell to Rory, "Come on, we're going to be late!" You must consume something before you go.

Silence.

I check on Lucas, who has finished getting dressed and is currently engrossed in watching Paw Patrol on the couch. "Rory," I murmur in a hushed voice as I open the door to the shower room.

To my amazement, he has not cleaned up his act and still stinks. As I go closer to him, I reply, "I was under the impression you were taking a shower." He is completely clothed and seated on the toilet seat while lowering his head in prayer. When he lifts his head, I can see by the redness in his eyes that it has finally dawned on him. He has finally understood that today marks the end of his mother's life.

“Hey.” I approach him and wrap my arms around his head while he does the same for me, wrapping his around my waist. I can feel his entire body shaking as he finally gives in. I lower my voice and murmur to Rory, "You don't need to be strong today." "Today is you