“I won’t be long.”

“I’m sorry.” “You need to wait.” For the first time, Ethan looked directly into Michael’s eyes. “You don’t understand.”

Michael had heard those words countless times over the years. Every family believed there was one more thing left to say. One more goodbye. One more chance to change the ending.

But something about Ethan felt different.

He wasn’t asking for permission because he hoped someone would say yes.

He spoke with the quiet confidence of someone who believed he already knew exactly what had to happen.