CHAPTER 34 SARAH.

As the sun rose on the morning of Hunter's funeral, Madison felt a deep sense of dread wash over her. The weight of the previous night's accusations and her own self-loathing had left her feeling weak and hollow, her body aching with exhaustion. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Michael placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice calm and steady. "You can," he said, his voice filled with strength and resolve. "We'll do it together. For Hunter." As they made their way to the funeral service, the sun warm on their skin, Madison's hand trembled in Michael's, the anxiety and fear welling up inside her like a storm. "I should stay back," she whispered, her voice tremulous and uncertain. "I don't want to cause any trouble." Michael stopped, turning to face her, his eyes steady and unflinching. "You were Huntetr's friend," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "You deserve to say goodbye, and so does he. No one is going to stop you fr