Trembling, I used crimson-stained fingers to unlock my phone. It took everything I had left to type the words.

Uncle, I'm not waiting for you.

In this life, I've repaid my debt to the James family for raising me. I've paid the price for Stella's "grievances." Bury me beside my parents.

I hit send.

My eyelids grew heavy, sealing the world away.

Beside my lifeless hand, the phone on the asphalt buzzed violently.