The woman's words hung in the air, leaving Emily stunned. Ryan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions.
"Who are you?" Emily repeated, her voice shaking.
The woman's gaze drifted off, as if lost in thought. "My name is Ava. I was a close friend of your mother's."
Emily's eyes widened. "My mother's?"
Ava nodded. "We grew up together. I was like an aunt to you, Emily."
Ryan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What do you mean, 'like an aunt'?"
Ava's expression turned somber. "I mean that I was a part of Emily's life before the accident. I was the one who—"
Ava's words trailed off, leaving Emily and Ryan with more questions than answers.
"What do you mean, 'before the accident'?" Emily pressed.
Ava's eyes locked onto Emily's. "I'll tell you everything, Emily. But you need to be prepared for the truth."