My world shattered. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My mother was dying, and no one would help her because of Travis.
"Travis..." I murmured, trying to contact him through the mind link, but only silence answered me. With trembling hands, I whipped out my phone and dialed his number, but each time, his phone went straight to voicemail. Desperation clawed at my throat as I watched my mother’s life slip away in my arms. Her breathing grew shallow, her skin turning an alarming shade of gray. My tears fell on her face as I whispered, "Please, Mom, stay with me."
But there was nothing I could do. With no one willing to help, I could only watch as the light faded from her eyes. She died there, cradled in my arms, surrounded by people who stood by, doing nothing. My heart shattered into a million pieces, and a hollow numbness settled over me.
I screamed and cried, holding my mother's lifeless body as the reality of my situation sunk in.
She was gone... My beautiful, loving mother was gone.
I felt a wave of anger and sorrow wash over me, threatening to drown me. My mother was dead because of Travis, because of his orders!
At that moment, the Moon Goddess' warning echoed in my mind. I had ignored her, and now I was paying the price.
I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face. Everything I had ever wanted was shattered. My dreams, my hopes, my future with Travis—it was all gone!
Despite the crushing grief, I knew I had to handle her funeral. It felt like I was moving through a fog as I made the arrangements. I chose her favorite flowers, a soft arrangement of lilies and roses, and made sure she was dressed in the beautiful gown she loved. I wanted to honor her in every way I could, even though every decision was a painful reminder that she was gone.
The day of the funeral was overcast, fitting for the sorrow that hung over me. I stood at the graveside, clutching a single rose, my mind drifting back to the happier times we shared. Memories of her laughter, her warm hugs, and the way she always knew how to make everything better flooded my mind, bringing fresh waves of tears.
People came to pay their respects, offering condolences that felt empty and hollow. I accepted their words with a nod, not really hearing them. My thoughts were consumed with questions and regrets. How could Travis do this?