Meanwhile, Hadizah sat alone in the dimly lit living room of Mrs. Spencer’s apartment. The silence around her was heavy. Her thoughts swirled in grief, heartbroken over the fate of her friend.
The ritual was only two days away. Two days until the woman who had fought so many battles, who had loved deeply and helped countless others, would be gone. The pain was unbearable, but she knew she had to be strong—for Laura’s sake, at least.
As she sat there, lost in thought, the front door opened and Laura walked in. A bright smile lit her young face as she walked toward Hadizah.
"Good morning, ma’am," Laura greeted cheerfully. "I didn’t see you in your room earlier."
Hadizah forced a weak smile as they exchanged pleasantries, but her heart was breaking all over again. Laura didn’t know. She had no idea what was coming.
"Where’s Auntie?" Laura asked innocently. "Is she still sleeping or did she step out early?"
Hadizah looked away, fighting back tears. She couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Laura tilted her head, sensing something was wrong. She tried reaching out with her mind, hoping to hear a thought—but nothing came. Confusion swept over her.
"Ma’am..." she said again, her voice more serious now. "What happened to Mrs. Spencer?"