Ella sat on the couch, her face buried in her hands as she sobbed uncontrollably. Her best friend was gone. Caleb sat beside her, his arm wrapped around her, holding her tightly as if she might fall apart completely if he let go. His own face was pale, but he stayed strong for her.
"She's gone," Ella whispered between sobs, her voice barely audible. "She's really gone."
Caleb tightened his grip on her, his voice low. "I know, Ella. I know. I'm so sorry."
She shook her head violently and wept. "I need to see her," she said to Caleb. "I need to go to the hospital. I'm not going to sit around here and do nothing. She's my best friend. I have to see her."
Julian stood by the window and stared at her. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest. His face was expressionless, but his eyes gave away the pain he was trying to hide. He hadn't said much since they received the call, but now he turned to Ella and said firmly:
"You can't go."
