The words sliced through the air like lightning.

Every head turned. A wave of shock rippled through the room.
Richard froze, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the coffin.

The boy’s chest heaved as he pointed directly at it.

“Emily Hamilton isn’t dead,” he cried. “They’re hiding her! Please — you have to listen to me!”

Chaos erupted. Some guests gasped, others whispered, some laughed nervously. The pastor fell silent mid-prayer.