Back home, Aurora stomped to her room and locked herself in without a word, ignoring the worried looks of those waiting for her in the living room.
Hilton, taken aback, looked between Tyler and his sister's door before noticing their mother's absence.
The silence in the room grew heavy.
"Where's Aunt Edith?" Sandy asked, visibly troubled.
Hilton turned his head toward Tyler, his expression hardening.
"Where's Mom?"
Tyler, sitting on a couch, sighed deeply before running a hand over his face.
"Tyler... where's my mom?"
The doctor finally looked up, his gaze full of fatigue and sadness.
"She's dead."
Silence fell over the room, cold and relentless.
Hilton shook his head, unable to believe what he had just heard.
"What?! What are you talking about? You're joking, right?"
Tyler stared into his eyes.
"Charlotte shot her in the head. She died instantly."
Sandy brought a trembling hand to her mouth. Hilton froze, clenching his fists.
"She tried to kill Aurora too," Tyler added. "But I got shot instead. Hence my bandaged arm."
He raised his injured arm slightly, his expression impassive.
"By the time Aurora called 911, I contacted the police... but Charlotte ran away. And I didn't have the strength to catch her."
Hilton ran a hand through his hair, his breath coming in gasps.
"Oh my god..."
"And Aunt Myriam?" Sandy whispered. "Does she know?"
Tyler shook his head.
"No. You're the first to know."
He stood up, stretching slightly, as if the weight of the day was beginning to crush him.
"I'm going to call Myriam right away. And then I'm going to see Aurora."
Hilton raised his head, his gaze burning.
"No. I'm going. She needs me."
Without waiting for an answer, he rushed to his sister's room and knocked gently.
Aurora had been locked in her room for over thirty minutes, reliving the scene of her mother's death over and over again.
The image of her lifeless body haunted her mind, and each breath seemed heavy.
She was gone.
Her mother was dead, right before her eyes.
Aurora struggled to understand. How could she never hear her voice again? Never feel her arms around her again?
A knock sounded at the door.
"Aurora? Open the door."
Hilton's voice.
She stood up slowly, unlocked the lock, and opened the door.
As soon as she saw her brother, she threw herself into his arms, seeking immediate comfort.
Hilton hugged her, placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Mom left us," she whispered, her throat tight.
"Yes, I know."
He swallowed hard.
"Tyler told me... He protected you."
Aurora nodded, unable to speak.
"I'm sorry," she breathed. "I shouldn't have taken her with me, I put her in danger, I..."
"Hey."
He pulled her back slightly, cupping her face in his hands.
"No one blames you. It wasn't your fault."
Aurora blinked, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.
Hilton offered her a sad smile.
"And I promise you, we'll find that woman."
His tone grew colder, harsher.
"We're going to avenge Mama."
Aurora closed her eyes.
She wasn't ready to think about revenge yet.
"Who's going to tell Aunt Myriam?" she asked after a moment.
A woman's voice spoke behind them.
"My darlings…"
They turned around, and Aurora saw her Aunt Myriam standing in the doorway, her face marked by fatigue and worry.
Aurora rushed to wrap her arms around her and burst into tears against her.
If she was in this much pain, then she didn't dare imagine the pain her aunt was feeling.
Myriam gently stroked her hair before stepping back, her eyes shining with sadness.
"I'm here for you. I won't let you down."
Aurora raised her head, her eyes misty.
"I'm sorry, Auntie..."
"Shh."
Her aunt placed a finger to her lips.
"Stop talking nonsense, or I'll get mad at you. You didn't shoot, so you're not guilty."
She took a deep breath.
"Where is his body?"
Hilton answered for her.
"Tyler took care of taking him to the morgue, while he awaits the funeral."
Myriam closed her eyes for a moment, digesting the news.
"Very well. Tyler and I will take care of the preparations."
She grabbed Aurora's hand.
"You rest and regain your strength. Especially you, Aurora. You have a daughter now, who needs you, your zest for life and your presence."
Aurora nodded, unable to answer.
"Thank you," she murmured simply.
Myriam slipped away with Tyler, while Hilton walked Sandy home.
After her aunt's visit, Aurora locked herself in her room again, putting her daughter to sleep before coming out a few hours later.
The sun had set, and yet, the house was pitch black, as if no one lived there.
She went downstairs to the living room and was relieved to see Tyler still there.
He was sitting on the couch, a cup of coffee in his hand.
He didn't even turn around when she came in, as if he already knew it would be her.
"Where did everyone go?"
Tyler took a sip before replying calmly.
"Hilton went back to your aunt's after dropping Sandy off."
He put down his cup.
"I decided to stay. I didn't want to leave you alone in this big house."
Aurora gave him a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
She sat down next to him and stared at her computer screen, which she hadn't even turned on.
After a few seconds of silence, she whispered,
"Thank you for everything."
Tyler gently placed a hand on her head, lightly stroking her hair before taking her in his arms.
"I'm sincerely sorry about your mother."
Aurora closed her eyes, leaning against him.
"Kiara didn't have the chance to know her grandmother."
"No."
He paused.
"But I'm sure you'll be able to tell her some great stories about her."
Aurora smiled.
"That's for sure!"
Then, after a moment, she added softly,
"We haven't talked about our..."
Tyler smiled slightly.
"Our kiss?"
Aurora nodded.
"Do you regret it?"