CHAPTER 35 FILLED UP.

As Madison made her way out of the church, her steps heavy and labored, her face burning with the sting of Sarah's slap, the crowd parted before her, their eyes downcast and their expressions somber. When she reached the car, Michael rushed to her side, his arms wrapping around her as she broke down into tears, her body shaking with the weight of her emotions. "I just wanted to say goodbye," she sobbed, her voice barely audible. "I didn't want this. "I know," Michael whispered, his voice filled with compassion as he held her close. "But you can't blame yourself for the way others choose to grieve." Madison nodded, wiping away the tears that streamed down her face as she collected herself. "I know," she said, her voice heavy with regret. "I just wish things could have been different." As they climbed into the car, the noise of the crowd fading into the distance, Madison took one last look at the church, her heart aching with sadness and guilt. As the car pulled away from the chur