5. The Casket Opens
The final screw dropped.
The funeral worker looked at me, waiting.
I nodded.
The lid lifted.
People leaned forward. Someone gasped.
My stomach plummeted.
The casket was empty.
White satin. Perfectly neat.
But no body.
No garments.
Nothing.
A hollow space—like a cruel, silent mockery.
“Where is she?” I breathed.
Then louder—
“WHERE IS MY MOTHER?!”
Melissa stumbled backward, shaking violently.
“Andrew, please—listen—I can explain. They were supposed to prepare the body. I—I was protecting you from the shock—”
Rosa surged forward, blocking her like a storm.
“Tell him the truth!” she screamed. “Tell him where they took her!”
Voices erupted. Phones were recording. Someone called the police.
I grabbed Melissa’s shoulders.
“What did you do? Where is she?”
Melissa cracked.
“She’s not dead!” she sobbed. “She’s at a care home outside the city. I only needed you to sign the inheritance papers. I wasn’t going to harm her. I promise!”
I let go. She fell onto the grass, shaking.
I turned to Rosa.
“Let’s go,” I said. “We’re bringing my mother home.”
