Ryan stood outside the church, his hands tucked in his pockets as he stared at the heavy wooden doors. Saying goodbye to his father wasn’t something he was ready for—not yet. Behind him, Bella barked sharply, her tone higher than usual. He turned toward his car to see the German Shepherd pacing anxiously in the backseat, ears pricked, eyes fixed on the church. “Bella, down,” Ryan commanded with a hand gesture. The dog hesitated, then obeyed, settling into a crouch but still whining softly. He leaned in and patted her through the window. “Stay.” Inside the church, Arnold’s casket sat...
Continues…