He turned to Marcus, his decision made. “We’re going to find her,” he said, determination lacing his words. “And if you’re telling the truth, you’ve done the bravest thing anyone could do.”

The boy nodded, relief flooding his features. In that moment, they were bound by a shared mission, a glimmer of hope in a world that had felt devoid of it. As the chapel emptied and the mourners filed out, whispers of the incredible revelation trailing behind them, Jonathan and Marcus prepared to uncover a truth that would shake the foundations of their worlds.