Stella took the handkerchief and dabbed at her tears, shooting Stewart a

withering glare. “All the technology in the world can't fill the hole Ms. Hudson left in Bryn's heart. I don't care how real this Christmas dinner looks-it's still just an illusion."

Cedric Clarke pressed his lips together and sighed. He knew Stella was right, but Stewart had done all he could. There was nothing else left.

The dead don't come back.

Cedric glanced over at Stewart.

Stewart had been silent ever since he entered, his dark eyes fixed on Briony inside the experience room. His jaw was set, face carved in sharp lines, every muscle tense.

No one could guess what he was thinking in that moment.

...

Inside the simulator, Briony took a bite of the fried potato cakes. The taste was achingly familiar, but before she could swallow, a wave of bitter sweetness rose in her throat. She managed to choke it down, but her composure crumbled in an instant.

Her mind screamed at her that none of this was real.

Her grandfather and her mother-they were gone.

"Bryn," her mother Julia said softly, "let's finish this Christmas dinner together. For us, this is closure."

her vision for just a second before it clouded over

are doing just fine. Please,

I just—I just miss you both so much. I wish you

stepped forward and

was the most suffocating farewell

began

drifted

journey in this world, but your path still stretches ahead. Keep moving forward—we'll always be behind you,

Another life...

eyes shut

staff member approached and gently removed her

"Mr. Wentworth has arranged a special surprise

held her breath and slowly

were two eerily lifelike

She stared, stunned.

photos and videos Mr. Wentworth provided," the staff member explained. "Our team worked around the clock for

shakily and walked over to the

and touched one of

felt

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