As he read, the world seemed to tilt. The news came slowly, like a wave crashing against the shore, each word eroding the ground beneath him. His father, the man who had always been a rock, a source of strength, was gone.
The letter spoke of a sudden illness, a swift decline, a peaceful passing. But the words were hollow. They couldn't fill the void that now yawned in his chest. He had expected this, had known it was coming, but the weight of it, the finality, was crushing.
Victor sank to his knees, the letter crumpled in his hand. He could almost hear his father's voice, gruff and loving, whispering, "It's okay, son. It's okay." But the words were just a phantom echo in the silent apartment, and Victor was left alone with the sad truth – his father was gone, and he would never see him again.