Allie’s POV.
"Your father," she began, her voice quivering with the weight of her words, "he's...he's gone."
The words fell like stones, heavy and cold. My eyes widened, a ripple of shock and confusion coursing through my body as I struggled to make sense of what she had just said.
My mind reeled, the word "gone" echoing through my thoughts like a death knell. "I don't understand," I said, my voice a whisper of confusion and disbelief. “Gone to where?” I blurted out.
My mother let out a choked sob, her body trembling as she leaned against the wall for support.
The sight of her tears, her raw vulnerability, sent a pang of guilt shooting through me. But still, I needed answers.
"Ma'am, what happened to your husband?" Riley asked gently, her voice soft and sympathetic.
My frustration m
