A/N: There's a reason why this version of Sasuke has been so affectionate and kissy-kissy with our Hinata for the past 3 chapters; I've seen some SasuSaku fanart, and oh my goodness, some of them are so sweet! Hinata's definitely feeling a bit jealous. That's why this Sasuke has a lot to make up for, muahahaha. I wish I could draw, too.

CHAPTER 19

The next morning, the Hyuuga compound was quiet, save for the occasional chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the courtyard. Hinata felt restless. Her encounter with Neji the previous evening had left her unsettled, the weight of his questions lingering like a heavy cloud over her thoughts.

Unable to stay in her room any longer, she decided to take a walk through the village. As she stepped outside the compound gates, the familiar streets of Konoha stretched before her, alive with the bustling energy of its people.

She wandered aimlessly, her footsteps slow as she took in everything; the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees, the chatter of merchants at the market stalls, the playful laughter of children running through the streets.

It all felt so vivid, so real.

Her fingers brushed against a wooden fence as she paused near a small park. She closed her eyes briefly, letting the sounds of the village wash over her. This world, once just ink on a page, was alive in a way that overwhelmed her.

These are real people, she thought, her chest tightening. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura… they're not just characters anymore. They've lived, they've struggled, they've grown.

And yet, she couldn't shake the lingering ache of her own unanswered questions. Her memories of her previous life felt like fragments of a dream, slipping through her fingers every time she tried to grasp them.

She knew she had been a CEO, driven and hardworking, and she remembered the final moments of her life: the child she had saved, the fall that had taken her. But beyond that, there was nothing. No name, no family, no sense of who she had been.

Part of her wondered if it was better that way. If forgetting her past made it easier to embrace this new life. But another part of her yearned for answers, for the missing pieces that might explain why she was here.

As she turned a corner, her thoughts scattered at the sight before her. There, standing in the village square, were Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Sasuke.

Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze fell on Sasuke. He stood slightly apart from the others, his posture relaxed yet commanding, as though the world around him bent to his presence. The sunlight caught on his raven-black hair, and his dark eyes, though distant, seemed to hold a weight that few could understand.

For a moment, she marveled at him. How perfect he is, she thought, a faint melancholy weaving through her admiration. She remembered how he had once been just a character in a manga to her, a distant figure she admired from afar. Yet now, he had become something far more tangible, far more important.

You were just a page once, she thought, her chest tightening. But now… you're part of my life.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Sasuke's gaze shift in her direction. He paused mid-conversation with Naruto, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he caught sight of her.

Without a word, he stepped away from the group and walked toward her, his movements purposeful yet unhurried.

She blinked, startled as he closed the distance between them. When he reached her, his hands settled on her shoulders, firm yet careful. He leaned out slightly, his dark eyes scanning her face with quiet intensity.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. He watched her reaction, his gaze lingering on the way her expression wavered. "You look like you're about to burst into tears any second now," he muttered, his brows drawing together.

Hinata's heart tightened, his words hitting closer to home than she expected. She opened her mouth to respond, but the lump in her throat made it impossible to speak.

After a moment, he exhaled quietly, and before she could say anything, his arms were suddenly around her, pulling her into a firm embrace. Her breath caught as her face pressed against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding her in the moment. The warmth of the gesture left her breathless, a mix of surprise and something far deeper swelling in her chest.

Her hands clutched the edges of his cloak lightly, as though anchoring herself to him. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

"I…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was just… walking."

Sasuke didn't press further, though he pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. His presence, so solid and unwavering, felt like a lifeline amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Her heart ached, torn between the warmth of his gesture and the heaviness of her own uncertainty. What am I to you? she wondered silently. What are you to me?

But for now, she allowed herself to stay in the moment, her cheek still warm from where it had pressed against his chest.

His dark eyes searched hers, his expression unreadable yet calm. For a man of few words, his gestures spoke volumes, and the tenderness of the moment left Hinata both overwhelmed and grounded.

"Do you need to go back now?" he asked, his voice steady.

She hesitated, her mind still caught in the whirlwind of emotions. The thought of returning to the compound, to the lingering weight of Neji's questions and the expectations of the clan, felt suffocating.

"I… not yet," she admitted softly, her hands still gripping the edges of his cloak lightly. "I just wanted to… clear my head."

Sasuke nodded once, his gaze softening. "Then walk with me."

It wasn't a request, but neither was it a command. It was simply him, offering her something she hadn't realized she needed: company.

They walked together through the quieter parts of the village, the bustle of the marketplace fading into the background. Sasuke's presence was steady, silent but comforting, like a shadow that refused to leave her side.

She stole a glance at him as they walked. His profile was sharp, his jawline defined and lips set in their usual neutral line. But there was something different about him today—a softness, a willingness to reach out that he rarely showed to anyone.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice almost lost in the gentle rustle of the breeze.

He glanced at her. "For what?"

"For this," she said simply, gesturing vaguely to the space around them. "For being here."

He didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting ahead. "You're my fiancee," he said after a moment, as though it were the most natural explanation in the world.

Her cheeks warmed slightly, her heart fluttering at the weight of his words. You're my fiancee. The simplicity of the statement, the way he said it without hesitation, made something inside her ache in a way she couldn't explain.

As they walked, Sasuke stole his own glances at Hinata. Her expression was calm, but he could sense the turmoil beneath the surface. It was in the way her shoulders tensed slightly, the way her hands fidgeted with the hem of her sleeves. "Something's bothering you," he said abruptly, his voice breaking the silence.

She started, her lavender eyes darting up to meet his. "I…" She hesitated, unsure of how much to say. The weight of Neji's questions, the uncertainty of her place in this world, and the lingering ache of her fragmented memories all felt too heavy to share.

He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His dark eyes bore into hers, steady and unyielding. "I won't force you to talk," he said quietly. "But if it's weighing on you this much, then it's not something you should ignore."

Her breath hitched. The sincerity in his voice, the way he seemed to see through her carefully constructed facade, left her momentarily speechless. "I'm just… trying to figure things out," she said finally, her voice trembling slightly.

He nodded, as though he understood more than she was saying. "You will."

The certainty in his tone, the quiet confidence he had in her, was both comforting and overwhelming. She felt her eyes sting, and she quickly looked away, blinking back the sudden tears.

They resumed walking, the silence between them no longer awkward but heavy with unspoken understanding.

As they reached a small bridge overlooking a gently flowing stream, Sasuke paused, leaning lightly against the railing. Hinata followed his lead, her hands resting on the cool wood as she gazed down at the water.

"You don't give yourself enough credit," he said suddenly, his voice low.

She turned to him, her eyes widening slightly. "Sasuke…"

He didn't look at her, his gaze fixed on the water below. "You've been through a lot. More than most people realize. But you keep going. That's not something everyone can do."

The words lingered in the air, soft yet weighted, and for a moment, she felt her chest tighten painfully. Is he talking about me… or the real Hinata? Her hands curled slightly against the railing, the cold wood biting into her palms as her mind spun. The real Hinata had been through so much. Years of unrequited love, the weight of her family's expectations, the harsh training under her father's strict eye. Am I living off her strength? she wondered, guilt clawing at her.

She bit her lip, lowering her gaze to the rippling water below. "I'm not sure if that's true," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Sasuke turned to her, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Why would you doubt that?"

She hesitated, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "Just… I try to be strong, but sometimes, it feels like I'm just holding onto something that isn't really mine. Like I'm just… pretending to be someone I'm not."

He frowned, his gaze studying her intently. "You're not pretending," he said firmly. "You're here. You're doing what needs to be done. That's real."

His certainty in her felt both comforting and unbearable, the weight of his trust pressing against the fragile wall she had built around herself. If only you knew, she thought, a wave of guilt crashing over her.

She turned away slightly, her hands tightening on the railing as she fought to steady her breath. "Sasuke…" she began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you ever… feel like you're not enough?"

He blinked, surprised by the question. For a moment, he didn't respond, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he turned back to the water. "Sometimes," he admitted quietly. "But I don't let it stop me."

His words, though simple, carried a weight that resonated deeply with her. She felt her throat tighten, and she quickly brushed a hand across her eyes, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill.

Sasuke glanced at her, his dark eyes softening. Without a word, he reached out, resting a hand lightly on hers where it gripped the railing.

Hinata froze, the warmth of his touch grounding her. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them filled with unspoken emotions.

"Whatever you're thinking," he said finally, his voice steady, "don't let it weigh you down. You're stronger than you realize."

This time, the words felt different, like they were meant for her.

Her lips trembled as she looked up at him, her lavender eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you, Sasuke," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and something deeper.

He gave a faint nod, his gaze lingering on hers before he turned back to the water.

Hinata stepped through the towering gates of the Hyuuga compound, the familiar air pressing against her like an old memory. The scent of the garden, the quiet footsteps of passing clan members, the hushed whispers of tradition—it was all the same. Yet, she wasn't the same girl who had once walked these halls with quiet, hesitant steps.

Her gaze landed on the lone figure waiting in the courtyard, and her steps faltered. Neji.

His presence was as composed as always, his shoulders squared, expression unreadable, posture unwavering. His sharp eyes flickered to her the moment she arrived, his gaze steady and knowing. "You're back," he said, his voice neutral. "There is a council meeting this afternoon. Your presence is required."

She straightened instinctively, hands clasping in front of her.

Neji exhaled slightly, shifting his weight as if considering his next words. "I just thought you should know." Then, without waiting for a response, he turned to leave.

Her fingers twitched at her sides before she took a breath, willing herself to speak. "Neji-niisan," He stopped, his back still to her. "Thank you," she said softly. "For letting me know."

For a moment, there was only silence. He didn't move, didn't speak. Then, slowly, he turned his head just enough to look at her. His gaze lingered—assessing, considering—before something in his sharp expression softened. He gave her a slight nod. It was small, almost imperceptible, but something about it made her feel lighter.

The tension in her shoulders eased, and as he walked away, she found herself standing a little straighter. She still didn't know why she was here in this world, but today, the weight of it didn't feel quite as heavy.

The days that followed were nothing short of blissful for Hinata. For the first time since she found herself in this world, everything seemed to fall into place. Her relationship with Sasuke had softened into something almost natural, and their quiet moments together brought a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed.

She often found herself smiling for no reason, her heart light and free. Is it even legal to be this happy? she mused as she walked through the Uchiha compound one crisp morning.

Sasuke had invited her to spar, and though their match had ended, he remained on the training grounds, his movements fluid and relentless. Resting under the shade of a cherry blossom tree, she watched as he continued, his katana slicing through the air with effortless precision. He hadn't said it aloud, but she suspected he enjoyed her quiet presence.

Her inner fangirl was in overdrive, spiraling out of control as she tried—and failed—to remain composed. How is it possible for someone to look this good while training? she thought, her cheeks flushing furiously.

It wasn't just the way his movements were so smooth they seemed choreographed, or how the sun hit his raven-black hair at just the right angle, giving him an ethereal glow. It was everything, the subtle flex of his muscles, the way his jaw tightened in concentration, and how his dark eyes seemed to pierce through the air itself.

Is this allowed? she thought, clutching her hands together. Can someone even be this perfect? He's like a live-action anime character come to life! No, scratch that, he's better than the anime version!

Her mind raced, unable to keep up with her own thoughts. That stance! That precision! Is this what true beauty looks like? Honestly, this shouldn't even be fair! How am I supposed to focus when he's out here looking like a painting?

Her eyes darted to the way his cloak rested on a nearby bench, neatly folded, and even that made her heart skip. Why does his cloak look so majestic just sitting there? It's not even on him, and yet it screams 'power.'

When he raised his katana for a particularly sharp, decisive strike, she nearly squealed aloud. That's it! He's not human. He's a Greek god masquerading as a shinobi! Look at that form! The sheer elegance! The raw power!

She clutched her cheeks, which felt impossibly warm. Calm down! Play it cool! But oh my gosh, if he so much as looks at me right now, I might just pass out on the spot.

Her gaze trailed to his hands, firm and steady as they gripped the hilt of his katana. Those hands! Those hands are so strong, yet so refined. I remember how they felt like when— She stopped herself, shaking her head violently. Nope! Don't go there! Focus!

And then he turned slightly, his profile catching the light just so. She felt her knees weaken. Why does his side profile look like it belongs in a museum? How can someone be this effortlessly flawless? Even his sweat looks so good, like he's the perfect model for some high-end athletic campaign. And somehow, he still looks like he smells amazing.

When Sasuke paused to adjust his stance, glancing briefly in her direction, she immediately ducked her head, pretending to inspect the hem of her sleeve. Oh no, he saw me staring! Act normal. Act normal! But what is normal in front of perfection?!

Her heart raced as she risked another peek, only to find him already back to training, his focus unbroken. Relief flooded her, though her cheeks still burned. Okay, Hinata. Deep breaths. You're his fiancee. You can't keep acting like a lovestruck fangirl!

But even as she thought this, her eyes drifted back to him, her heart thundering. Just one more look… Okay, maybe two. Oh, who am I kidding? I could watch him all day.

Everything felt like a dream. A perfect, beautiful dream, she thought, her heart swelling as she leaned against the tree. And I never want to wake up.

The soft clang of his katana against the air was suddenly interrupted by a faint sound—a low murmur, distant and indistinct.

Hinata's head snapped up, her brows furrowing as she glanced around. The sound was faint, almost like someone speaking in hushed tones, but the courtyard was empty except for her and Sasuke.

"Clear!" a voice echoed faintly, barely discernible but sharp enough to make her stomach twist.

She froze, her pulse quickening. What was that?

"Hinata," Sasuke's voice called, breaking her concentration. She looked up to see him glancing her way, his dark eyes filled with subtle curiosity. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "I thought I heard something, but it must have been my imagination."

His gaze lingered for a moment before he nodded and returned to his training.

She took a deep breath, shaking off the unease. I'm probably just tired, she reasoned. Minutes passed, and the courtyard returned to its tranquil rhythm. Sasuke moved with practiced precision, his every motion a blend of power and control.

But then it came again—this time louder.

"Pulse dropping! Charge the paddles to 200!"

Her blood ran cold, her hands gripping the fabric of her clothes tightly. She spun around, her eyes scanning the courtyard frantically, but there was no one there.

"Clear!" the voice boomed, followed by the faint sound of an electrical jolt.

Her breathing quickened as the murmur became a cacophony of voices.

"Heart rate is stabilizing!"

"No response—charge again! Higher this time!"

"Clear!"

The world around her seemed to blur as the voices grew louder, each word striking her like a physical blow.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her head, blinding and all-consuming. She stumbled, clutching her temples as the ache intensified, her vision swimming with flashes of light and shadow. What's happening to me?

The voices overlapped, their urgency rising.

"She's slipping away! Push another dose of adrenaline!"

"Keep going—don't stop!"

Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, her heart pounding erratically. She felt something tugging at her, pulling her away from the courtyard, from Sasuke, from everything she had come to know.

"No!" she gasped, her voice barely audible.

The last thing she saw before the darkness consumed her was Sasuke's worried face as he dropped his katana and ran toward her. His mouth moved, calling her name, but she couldn't hear him.

With a jolt, Hinata opened her eyes. The world was blindingly bright, and the sharp smell of antiseptic filled her senses.

"Pulse is back!" a voice shouted above the chaos.

Her vision was blurred, the frantic shapes of people moving around her barely distinguishable. Bright lights from an overhead lamp seared into her eyes, and the metallic tang of blood lingered in the air.

"Vitals are stabilizing, but she's barely conscious," another voice said urgently.

She blinked, trying to focus, but the effort was overwhelming. Her body felt impossibly heavy, her chest aching with every shallow breath.

"Her oxygen levels are dropping—intubate now!"

The beeping of machines, the clatter of equipment, the urgency in the voices—it all overwhelmed her. Her mind screamed for clarity, but the world around her was slipping away again.

Blackness consumed her once more.

I am Celeste Furukawa, CEO of Furukawa Legacy Group. Obsessively private, fiercely confident, and unapologetically assertive, I've built an empire that reflects my drive for excellence and precision. I thrive on late-night strategy sessions with grilled steak and spicy ramen. Sweets? Never...

The sterile scent of antiseptic was the first thing that hit her, sharp and overwhelming. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor filled the room, steady and persistent, grounding her in a reality she desperately wished wasn't real.

Her eyes fluttered open, her vision swimming as she tried to focus on the stark white ceiling above her. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting the room in an unnatural glow. She blinked rapidly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"No…" she whispered, her voice hoarse and barely audible. She tried to sit up, but her body protested, weak and aching as though it had been through a storm.

Her eyes darted around the room—a modern hospital room, with clean white walls, medical equipment humming softly, and an IV drip connected to her arm. The bed beneath her was firm, the blanket scratchy against her skin.

"No, no, no…" she whispered again, more urgently this time. Her breaths quickened as panic set in.

This can't be happening. This has to be a dream.

She clutched the blanket tightly, her knuckles turning white as she forced herself to sit up despite the burning ache in her muscles. Her heart raced, each beat a painful reminder of the overwhelming reality crashing down on her.

"Where… where is Sasuke?" she murmured, her voice trembling. Her mind reeled, grasping for answers, for something, anything, to explain what was happening.

Her hands trembled as she touched her face, her fingers running over her cheeks, her lips, her jawline. It felt… familiar, yet wrong. She turned her head toward the glass window beside her, her reflection faintly visible in the muted light of the room.

The woman staring back at her wasn't Hinata Hyuuga.

It was someone else—her, Celeste. The person she had been before all of this, before she had woken up in Hinata's body and found herself in the Naruto world. Her heart clenched painfully as the memories flooded back: her life as a CEO, her fall, her death… and then waking up in another world entirely.

"No," she whispered, shaking her head as tears welled in her eyes. "No, I was there. I was happy. I—" Her voice broke as a sob escaped her lips.

This can't be real. This isn't real.

She gripped the edges of the bed, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. The hospital room around her felt cold and suffocating, a cruel reminder that everything she had come to love—everything she had built with Sasuke—was gone.

A nurse entered the room, her kind face lighting up with relief when she saw Celeste awake. "You're awake! Oh, thank goodness. You've been unconscious for days."

The nurse stepped closer, checking the monitors and IV drip, but she barely registered her presence.

"Where am I?" she croaked, her voice raw.

"You're at St. Luke's Hospital," the nurse said gently, glancing at her chart. "You've been through a lot, but you're stable now. Just rest—"

"No," she interrupted, shaking her head frantically. "This isn't… this isn't right. I… I was somewhere else. I was—"

The nurse's expression softened with concern. "It's normal to feel disoriented after what you've been through," she said soothingly. "But you're safe now. You're home."

Home. The word felt like a dagger to her chest.

As the nurse left to fetch a doctor, she collapsed back against the pillows, tears streaming down her face. Her chest heaved with sobs as she clutched the blanket to her chest, her mind racing. Where is Sasuke? Where is the compound, the village, the life I've come to love?

She thought of his quiet strength, the way he had kissed her, the warmth of his embrace. The memory of his voice echoed in her mind, calm and steady, telling her she was stronger than she realized.

But now he was gone.

Her fingers clenched the fabric of the blanket tightly. "No," she choked out. "I need to go back. I can't stay here. Please…"

Her tears fell harder as the weight of her loss pressed down on her. For all the confusion she had felt when she first woke up in Hinata's body, she had grown to love that life. She had found happiness, purpose, and a place where she belonged.

And now, it was gone.

Celeste's sobs eventually subsided into hiccupping breaths, though her chest still ached as if a knife had been driven deep into her heart. The cold light of the hospital room felt oppressive, suffocating her with every passing second. She needed… something. Anything.

Her gaze flicked to the door, her mind racing. She had to know. The not knowing clawed at her insides, threatening to tear her apart. If this was real, if she was truly back in her world, then what had happened to the people she left behind? What had happened to him?

The door creaked open, a doctor and the same nurse from before stepped in, their expression wary but kind.

"Miss Furukawa, I am Dr. Tanaka. How are feeling?" The doctor asked.

"Please," she rasped, her throat raw from crying. "I need a phone. Or my laptop. My tablet. Anything."

Dr. Tanaka hesitated, her brows knitting together. "Miss Furukawa, you've just woken up. Your body is weak, and—"

"I don't care!" she interrupted, her voice desperate. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through her body. "I need to check something. Please!"

The doctor stepped forward, gently pressing her back onto the bed. "You need to rest. I'll inform your family that you're awake, and they can bring your belongings later."

"No!" she clutched the doctor's wrist, her grip surprisingly strong for someone who had been in a coma. Her tear-streaked face twisted with desperation. "Please… I'm begging you. Just let me borrow your phone. Just for a few minutes."

Dr. Tanaka hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Miss Furukawa, it's against hospital policy—"

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. Her wide, pleading eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "You don't understand. I need this. I need it."

The woman sighed, clearly torn. After a long moment, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. "Five minutes," she said firmly, handing it over. "And don't make me regret this."

Celeste's hands trembled as she took the device. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

She unlocked the phone with fumbling fingers, her mind already racing. She opened the browser and typed frantically: "Sasuke Uchiha."

Her heart pounded in her chest as the search results loaded. She clicked on the first link, her breath hitching as familiar images filled the screen.

There he was. Sasuke.

Her chest tightened painfully at the sight of him—older, his expression just as intense as she remembered. But the joy that bubbled up was quickly crushed by the headline:

"Naruto Shippuden: Sasuke Marries Sakura Haruno—The Canon Couples Explained."

"No," she whispered, her fingers tightening around the phone.

She scrolled through the article, her heart breaking with every word.

Sasuke Uchiha, the enigmatic and brooding last heir of the Uchiha clan, married Sakura Haruno after returning to the Hidden Leaf Village. Together, they had a daughter, Sarada Uchiha, marking the continuation of the Uchiha bloodline.

Her vision blurred with tears, but she forced herself to keep reading.

The couple's relationship, though complicated, culminated in a deep bond of trust and understanding. Sakura, who had loved Sasuke since childhood, remained steadfast even during his darkest moments. Their love was a testament to perseverance and redemption.

The phone slipped from her hands, clattering onto the bed.

Her entire body shook as she clutched her chest, the ache unbearable. It felt as though her heart had been ripped out and crushed underfoot.

"He married… Sakura?" The words barely made it past her lips, each syllable weighted with disbelief and pain.

Her mind spiraled, flashes of the life she had lived in Konoha playing like a cruel reel. The way Sasuke had looked at her, touched her, kissed her. The way he had slowly opened his heart to her, piece by guarded piece.

None of it mattered.

It had all been erased, overwritten by this cruel reality where he had married someone else.

Her fingers dug into the sheets as sobs wracked her body. "It wasn't supposed to be like this," she choked out. "He… he was mine."

Her mind rebelled against the thought, desperately trying to rationalize it.

This is the canon timeline. It's not real. It's just a story.

But deep down, she knew the truth. She had lived in that world. She had loved in that world. And now, that world had moved on without her.

But Sakura is already married to Naruto, isn't she?

She reached for the phone again, scrolling through more images and articles. Each one was like another dagger to her heart. Sasuke and Sakura. Naruto and Hinata. Their families. Their children.

She let the phone slip from her hands once more, her tears blurring her vision as she stared blankly at the ceiling.

It was over.

The life she had fought so hard for, the love she had found, it was gone. And she was left with nothing but the hollow ache of what could have been.

"Why did you bring me back?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why let me love him, only to take him away?"

Dr. Tanaka reentered the room, her expression softening when she saw Celeste's tear-streaked face. She picked up her phone and slipped it back into her pocket. "I'm sorry," she said gently. "Whatever you were hoping to find… I'm sorry."

Celeste didn't respond. She couldn't.

The pain was too much.

She turned her face to the wall, curling into herself as silent tears continued to fall.

He was gone.

And she was utterly, completely alone.