Chapter 39: Change of Objectives
“I trust you’re both aware of the circumstances we face. Coral’s condition is unlikely to improve. As an outsider looking in, I would advise you to brace yourselves for what seems to be inevitable,” began Miles.
As he concluded, their car drew to a halt in a busy part of the city.
Exiting the vehicle, they situated themselves at a nearby seating area, reflecting on their earlier conversation.
“How can you utter such words?” Mrs. Ocean retorted, anger edging her voice. “Is there no method to erase the mark?”
“Whether we erase the mark or substitute it with another, the results remain grim,” Miles said. “I realize my words may sound harsh, but they summarize the reality of the situation, don’t they, Mr. Beach?”
Puffing on his cigarette, Mr. Beach frowned. As the father of the family, he felt lost and overwhelmed, his expression etched with worry.
He grasped Miles’ implication. Without erasing the mark, the ghost child would relentlessly pursue Coral. Even if they decided to erase it, a replacement would only serve to delay the inevitable without changing the final outcome.
“Dad, Mom, it’s alright. I’m beyond salvation. Let me face this ghost child by myself. I don’t want to be the cause of your suffering,” Coral said, her voice choked with tears.
She had accepted her fate, and her initial fear now significantly diminished.