The buzz of the airplane engines faded into a distant buzz as Aaron and Jamal stepped into the busy airport.
The night air was thick with chatter, announcements echoing overhead. Aaron held Jamal's hand tightly, steering him away from the larger crowds.
Jamal's excitement bubbled over as he craned his neck to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Are we going straight to see Dawn?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Aaron smiled faintly, squeezing his hand. "Tomorrow, buddy. Let's get to the hotel first."
As they made their way to the baggage claim, snippets of conversation reached Aaron's ears. He stiffened at the mention of a familiar name.
"Did you hear about Kimberly Moore? Tragic, isn't it?"
"They're saying her parents died too… And her daughter— what's her name? Dawn? She's in critical condition."
"Such a loss. It's all over the news."
