Just as Richard was starting to come to terms with his past, tragedy struck again. Karl was sitting with Richard in the living room when the phone rang. Karl answered it, expecting it to be a routine call. But as he listened to the voice on the other end, his expression changed from calm to shocked.
Richard noticed the change in Karl's expression and felt a sense of unease. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Karl hesitated, unsure of how to break the news. "It's your sister," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's...she's passed away."
Richard's eyes widened in shock, and he felt like he had been punched in the gut. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All he could do was stare at Karl in horror.
"No," Richard whispered, shaking his head. "That can't be. She was fine. I just talked to her last week."
Karl nodded, his eyes filled with tears. "I know, Richard. I'm so sorry."
Richard's face crumpled, and he buried his face in his hands. Karl wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly as he sobbed.
The news of his sister's death was a devastating blow to Richard. He had already been struggling to come to terms with his past, and now he had to face the loss of the one person who had always been there for him.
As the reality of the situation sank in, Richard felt like his world was crumbling around him. He didn't know how he was going to survive without his sister. She had been his rock, his confidante, his best friend.
Karl held Richard tightly, trying to comfort him as he mourned the loss of his sister. But as he looked at Richard's shattered face, Karl knew that this was going to be a long and difficult journey.