Chapter 134

• "The brakes malfunctioned; it wasn't for lack of my effort to slow down. I was driving recklessly, though. If I hadn't been... Perhaps I could have managed to decelerate or navigate the car differently." Leon gently strokes her wrist with his thumb and guides Sophia's hand back to his cheek.
• "I vividly recall the moment when they notified me, as they pulled the car onto the bank, discovering your belongings, cell phone, and one of your shoes inside... Everything froze as the reality sank in that my wife had been in the car; your whereabouts unknown due to the river overflowing from recent rainfall, potentially swept away by the current and out to sea." Leon shudders at the memory, holding me tighter as if the pain is freshly felt.
• "I remember being asked about your swimming abilities... if there was a chance you could have fought against the current and reached the shore. It was asked in such a composed, indifferent manner, discussing it like the weather... While my whole world crumbled upon learning that you were in the car, your location unknown... At that moment, everything lost meaning... Years of grievances, misunderstandings, and hurting our relationship - in an instant, my heart was torn from my chest, leaving me breathless. I couldn't comprehend their words as thoughts of your face and echoes of your voice filled my mind. It was the most excruciating moment of my life, surpassing even the losses of my father and Tia." His voice quivers, bringing tears to my eyes as he recounts the agonizing experience. A chapter of anguish she remained oblivious to as she fought for survival not far from there, adrift on Sophia's makeshift raft.