Winner

He took a deep breath, his eyes fixated on hers, as the weight of their gaze hung heavily in the air between them. The silence was broken as he scratched his head, a perplexed expression etched across his face. "Hmmm, what did I say?" he demanded, his voice filled with a mixture of confusion and concern.

"You were talking about Nathaniel," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. She leaned forward, clasping her hands together tightly. "Please, tell me, is she truly alive?" Her eyes pleaded for honesty, as if fearing the answer she might receive. "Please don't lie to me."

The room fell uncomfortably silent, the tension evident. His hesitation seemed to stretch on for an eternity, as if grappling with the weight of the truth he held. Words seemed to momentarily elude him, his mind racing to find the right way to deliver the news. The air felt heavy, a sense of anticipation swirling in the atmosphere.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, he began to speak. His voice held a gentle somberness, a