183: SPIRIT CRUSHED

ARIEL'S POV I stood outside on the porch, my back against the rough wooden railing, staring out into the darkness of the night. The cool breeze brushed against my tear-streaked face, the only comfort I could find in the midst of my overwhelming grief. The stars above seemed to mock me with their twinkling indifference, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me. My little son, Lukel, had been the light of my life; his laughter was a melody that had filled our home with joy and warmth. But now he was gone, taken from me in a cruel twist of fate that I couldn't begin to comprehend. The pain in my chest was like a physical weight, crushing my spirit and leaving me gasping for air. As I closed my eyes, memories of Lukel flooded my mind—his chubby cheeks flushed with excitement as he played in the backyard, his tiny hands reaching out to me for comfort, his sweet voice calling out "Mommy" with such pure love that it had brought tears to my eyes. How could he be gone? How could I go