CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE – SEARCHING FOR HEALING FOR THE HEART

Dr. Elias' smile, though genuine, couldn't quite penetrate the storm brewing behind Kayla's eyes. She clenched her hands in her lap, the plush chair offering little comfort against the turmoil within. Lance, a statue of controlled grief, remained silent, his jaw clenched tight. "Dr. Elias," Kayla began, her voice a mere tremor, "it's not just the loss of Veronica. It's...everything. The dreams, the plans, the future we meticulously built, all gone in an instant." Tears welled up, blurring her vision. "How do we even begin to process something like this?" Dr. Elias leaned forward, her gaze conveying empathy. "You're absolutely right, Kayla. The loss of a child is a monumental tragedy. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, heartbroken, even angry. There's no timeline for grief, and it's different for everyone in the relationship." She shifted her attention to Lance, whose stoicism seemed to crack for a fleeting moment. "Lance, how are you coping with this situation?" His gaze remained fi