Ronan listened to the quiet murmurs around him, a frown creasing his brow. He gazed down at the slightly dazed woman kneeling at his feet, showing uncharacteristic patience.
"Ma'am, please get up. We can sit down and discuss whatever is on your mind."
Meanwhile, the elders and Elder Lynch, seated on the sofa, clearly recognized the kneeling woman. Elder Lynch rose and walked over to her. "Mavis, get up first."
He and the patriarch of the Faulkner Family were old, dear friends. He felt deeply for that child, but Heaven had been so cruel. It hadn't just stolen the boy's health; it had also taken away all of the Faulkner Family's hope. 'I can't bear to watch this,' he thought.
