Chapter 16: Shadows of Grief

"No," Mariana rasped, her voice barely a whisper. "No, it can't be true. There must be some mistake." Natasha sat beside her, a hand resting gently on Mariana's arm. Her own eyes were red-rimmed from the tears they had shed. "Mariana," Natasha said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I know this is incredibly difficult, but you have to accept what Dr. Sanchez has said." Mariana returned to the cavernous emptiness of Tiago's apartment. Days bled into weeks, a period of grief for Mariana. The vibrant colours of life seemed to have leached away, replaced by a dull ache that resided deep within her. The silence in the mansion was deafening, broken only by the occasional snuffle from Mary, who shuffled behind her with a worried frown. "Come, dear," Mary said, her voice laced with concern as she ushered Mariana towards the kitchen. "You haven't eaten a thing since the hospital. A little food will help you regain your strength." Mariana sank into a chair, the exhaustion from