Chapter 73: Picking Up the Pieces

The morning after Dr. Ahmed's passing dawned gray and somber. The campus, usually bustling with activity and life, felt subdued, its inhabitants moving through their routines with a heavy heart. James and Emily, having barely slept, found solace in the quiet moments before the day began, sipping coffee in their shared office. The weight of grief pressed down on them, but they knew they had to keep moving forward.

Emily set her cup down, her hands trembling slightly. "We need to address the team," she said softly. "They need to hear from us, to know that we'll get through this together."

James nodded, his expression grim. "You're right. We need to be strong for them, just as Ahmed would have been."