Chapter 388

Her mother kept talking, gently, carefully, as if afraid to hurt her. “Riyana… if you want to go see him, you can. Or if you want me to come to you....” “No.” The word came out fast. Too fast. “No, mum,” Riyana said firmly. “I’m not going to see him.” Her voice sounded steady even to her own ears. “You don’t need to worry about me,” she continued. “He has been dead to us for years. This doesn’t change anything. I’m fine.” Her hand was trembling badly now, but she held the phone tighter, making sure her voice didn’t shake. “Riyana, are you..." her mother started. “Mum,” Riyana interrupted softly but firmly. “I’m really fine. Please don’t worry.” She swallowed hard. “I have something to do. I’ll call you later.” Before her mother could say anything else, Riyana ended the call. The phone slipped from her hand and landed on the bed beside her. She sat there, completely still. Her mind went blank. No thoughts, no image, just emptiness. For a long moment, she didn’t feel anything at all. The