Benson Walton's POV:
Mrs. Payne's sobs showed no signs of stopping.
"My poor Selma. Yesterday, she was still happily telling me that she would appear in her best-looking clothes at the party today. Why is she ..."
"Stop talking, Lucy. It's all in the past. We can't be trapped in the past forever." Mr. Payne comforted her softly.
A muffled cry escaped her throat. "I just... Want to know why she would suddenly choose to leave us on such a happy day without any warning."
"Mother!" Rhode emerged from the shadows of the forest. His hair was a mess, and his body was wet. It seemed that he had just come out of the water.
Mrs. Payne hugged him and said in a low voice, "Rhode, I beg you. Please don't leave me. I can't bear this anymore."
"I won't, Mom. I'll always be by your side." Rhode held her hand.
