Chapter 455

Susan’s breath hitched, her wide eyes reflecting panic and confusion. Seeing this, Eleanor swiftly reached out, pressing a firm hand on Susan’s shoulder. “Don’t be afraid.” Her voice was soft yet carried a quiet authority, a soothing force that seemed to still the storm in Susan’s heart. Susan blinked, startled. She turned to look at Eleanor, her dark eyes hollow, devoid of life. With a silent sigh, Eleanor gazed down at the fragile girl before her. From this angle, Susan looked even smaller, lost in the vast weight of her despair. “What’s the reason?” Eleanor asked, her voice steady but probing. “Can you talk about it?” Susan hesitated. Her lips parted, then pressed shut again. A long pause followed before she finally muttered, “I... don’t want to live anymore.” The confession was quiet but heavy. Her eyes dropped, clouded with a melancholy darkness that seemed to stretch endlessly. Eleanor didn’t react outwardly, but a flicker of understanding passed through her gaze. She had already