The day of the memorial arrived, and the room filled with friends, family, and acquaintances, all gathered to honor a man they believed was lost. Laura stood at the front, her heart pounding but her face a mask of calm determination. As she spoke, recalling stories of their life together, she scanned the room, looking for any sign of Daniel. Her voice was steady, but inside, adrenaline coursed through her veins.

Then she saw him, standing at the back, half-hidden behind a pillar. Daniel had taken the bait. Laura’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. She concluded her speech with a challenge, her voice ringing clear through the room. “To those we’ve lost, and those we think we’ve lost—may the truth find its way to the surface.” Her eyes locked with Daniel’s as she spoke the last words, a silent dare in her gaze.