“I don’t understand,” Jack whispered, his voice trembling. “Did I imagine Elise’s death somehow? Has she been out there this whole time while I mourned her?” He blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears welling up in his eyes. Kim offered a reassuring smile. “You’re overwhelmed, Jack, but there has to be a logical explanation. You should talk to her. Perhaps she knows something that can help us make sense of this.”
Before Jack could respond, Kim took charge, pushing her way back up the aisle. “I’ll accompany you,” she asserted firmly. Jack felt a wave of relief at her decisiveness because he had been unsure how to handle the situation. With a nod of gratitude, he crouched down next to the mysterious woman.