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."

blinked hard, clearing her vision for just a second before it clouded over

fine. Please,

miss you both so much.

stepped forward and

the most suffocating farewell

began to

drifted

mother and I have finished our journey in this world, but your path still stretches ahead. Keep moving forward—we'll always be behind you, supporting you. Be brave, Bryn. In another life, we'll love

Another life...

her eyes

staff member approached and gently

has arranged a special surprise

her breath and

were two eerily

She stared, stunned.

and videos Mr. Wentworth provided," the staff member explained. "Our team worked around the clock for nearly a month to finish them. Ms. Kensington, if there's

nothing. She stood shakily and walked over

and touched one of

felt

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