Chapter 13: The News

Ethan sat in the sterile hospital waiting room, his hands trembling with nervous anticipation as he waited for news of Lily's condition. Every passing second felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock a painful reminder of the uncertainty that hung in the air.

Finally, the door to the waiting room swung open, and a doctor emerged, his expression grave as he made his way towards Ethan.

"Mr. Ethan," the doctor began, his voice gentle but tinged with sadness. "I'm afraid I have some difficult news to share."

Ethan's heart clenched in his chest, a cold wave of dread washing over him as he braced himself for the worst.

"Lily," the doctor continued, his voice heavy with sorrow. "She didn't survive the accident."

The words hit Ethan like a physical blow, knocking the breath from his lungs as he struggled to process the devastating news. His mind reeled with disbelief, his thoughts a jumbled mess of grief and guilt.

"No," Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible above the din of the hospital. "It can't be true. She can't be gone."

But even as he spoke the words, Ethan knew deep down that they were futile. Lily was gone, taken from him in the blink of an eye, and there was nothing he could do to bring her back.

Tears welled up in Ethan's eyes as he struggled to come to terms with the enormity of his loss. Guilt gnawed at his insides, a relentless reminder of the role he had played in Lily's tragic fate.

"I'm so sorry," the doctor said, his voice filled with compassion as he reached out to place a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I know this is incredibly difficult for you. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

But Ethan was beyond consolation, his heart shattered into a million pieces by the devastating news. He bowed his head in silent anguish, his grief consuming him as he mourned the loss of the woman he loved more than life itself.

And as the reality of Lily's death sank in, Ethan felt a crushing weight settle over him, a burden that he would carry with him for the rest of his days. For in that moment, he knew that his world would never be the same again, that Lily's absence would leave a void in his heart that could never be filled.