-Summer-
Sitting so close to my family, close enough to almost reach out and touch them, I yearned to leap up and exclaim, “Mom, Dad, I’m right here.” I wanted to shout the words, to be enveloped in their hugs once more, and to witness their joy at my return. I wasn’t dead. I was simply no longer Summer. The realization tore at my heart, and their heartfelt speeches only compounded the ache. It was overwhelming, but holding onto Ash provided a lifeline. Clinging to him grounded me amidst the emotional storm, his presence providing comfort as the speeches continued.
I had anticipated Josh stepping forward, but he remained seated. Later, I learned he was too overwhelmed to speak. Instead, one of his siblings took the stage.
Despite this, my gaze kept drifting to Josh, longing to bridge th
