Chapter 24. Friday the 13th (3)

ASHER

As I sobbed harder at the sight of my parents’ lifeless bodies, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I couldn’t breathe properly, my chest felt tight, and my cries echoed in the sterile hospital room. Auntie Marie immediately wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close to her. Uncle Richard joined in, holding both me and Auntie, while Lee clung to my side, her small arms around my shoulders.

“We’re here for you, Ash. We will never leave your side,” Auntie whispered, her voice breaking as she tried to comfort me.

Uncle Richard’s grip tightened, and I felt his tears falling onto my hair. “We’ll get through this together, godson. You’re not alone.”

Lee, still crying, leaned her head on my shoulder. “We love you, Asher. We won’t ever leave you,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Their words provided a small comfort amidst the overwhelming pain I felt. I buried my face in Auntie’s shoulder, my tears soaking her shirt. Their warmt