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Description
-Zacky’s POV-
“Damn it Brian! What takes this long?” I paced outside of the restaurant I had made reservations at an hour before.
I knew I should have convinced Jimmy to help. But, it is Brian’s sister I’m trying to propose to. God what is taking them so long?
My train of thought was broken by an unknown number showing up on my caller ID. Great, time to change my number again. Crazy fucking fans.
“Vengeance?” I answered, slightly more than irritated
“Is a Zack Baker there?” a woman asked
“Speaking.” I sighed trying to end the conversation
“Hello, this is Kathy with Huntington Beach Medical Center, we have two patients here that were in a severe car accident. One said to contact you. Do you know Brian and Devyn Haner Sir?” my heart sank
“Yes, what’s wrong? Will they be okay?” my panic took over
“We’re not completely sure of the extent of their injuries. Devyn is still unconscious, but Brian seems to be doig well. Are you their family, Sir?” she asked without missing a beat
“I am, may I visit them?” I asked letter the tears well up a little
“You can visit Brian, but Devyn is being kept in ICU so only immediate family can visit her.” She sounded like she was trying to be nice
“Ma’am, her parents are dead and clearly her brother is already with you all. Their friends are the only family they have. If just one of us could visit her so we all know what the situation is.” My tears slid down my cheeks silently
“I’ll see what I can work out for you all. Just ask for Kathy at the front desk when you get here.”
“Thank you so much Kathy, have a good evening.”
“You too Mr. Baker.”
I sped towards Huntington Beach, calling everyone to explain the situation. Matt and Val told me they saw on the news where a tractor trailer had overturned and caused a forty car pileup. They said there had been nineteen confirmed deaths and numerous injuries. My heart sank even further into the pit of my stomach as they told me this. I had sat, fuming, because Brian took forever and I was ready to propose to his sister. They would have never been in that wreck had it been any other day. They wouldn’t have been going to Long Beach if not for my bright idea.

Everyone was waiting together in the waiting room when I made it to the hospital. I tried to smile, but we all felt the same; depressed. My puffy, red eyes scanned the tear soaked group of friends that looked back at me. A whole new wave of sobs shook my body as everyone jumped up to hug me. No one, aside from Brian, knew of my plans for the night, but they knew I loved Dev with all my heart. I loved both of them and it was my fault they were here.
We talked quietly for a bit to console each other, then as a family, we approached the front desk. An older blonde woman looked tired and irritated when she turned to us.
“Is Kathy available?” I asked quietly, my voice rasping with ever word.
“Hold on, I’ll have to page her.” She turned to get the phone
A few minutes later a tall, think brunette rounded the corner wearing the name plate I was looking for. She smiled at us and asked the other woman what she needed.
“This young man asked for you.” The blonde said, gesturing towards me.
“Oh, you must be Mr. Baker, come with me please.” She smiled leading up back
We went straight to room 1026 and stopped. Kathy knocked on the door then stuck her head in quietly. We all waited patiently as she checked for doctors, other nurses, and anything else that may require privacy.
“Technically visiting hours are over at 11, just keep quiet and you can stay as long as you like. When you decide who’s going to visit Devyn have Mr. Haner buss for a nurse. You all have a good evening.” She smiled walking away.
The TV flickered as it played a Heat game and Brian sat, propped up in his bed. The tiny cuts on his face and neck looked like he’d stood in front of a wood chipper for an hour. It looks like they had greased back his hair to repair the deep gash on his forehead and he had since attempted to style it in his signature spikes. Leave it to Brian Haner to attempt to look like a rock star in a hospital gown.
“Hey guys, what’s going on?” he smiled
“Hey man, you doing okay? You look pretty fucked up.” Jimmy smiled at him
“I feel pretty fucked up. They said I broke like four ribs, bruised a lung, broke my left arm, and have mild amnesia due to a concussion.” He laughed about the last part
“So, do you remember anything?” I asked quietly
“Not much, I remember that my side hit another car going like eighty, we spun then rolled and I’m assuming then was when I hit my head because I don’t remember anything from then to when the doctor shined a light in my eyes about two hours ago. Did they tell you anything about Dev? They won’t tell me anything, all they care about is me not remembering my name when they got me talking. Apparently I kept telling them that they should know who I fucking am, Synyster Mother Fucking Gates! So, technically that is my name, dicks.” Everyone laughed at his mini rant
“No man, they only said she was still unconscious in ICU, no specifics. Speaking of which, who is going to visit her? I was told that only one of us could go to ICU with her.” I frowned, not wanting to think about what all that entailed
Everyone looked around, completely silent. None of us wanted to be selfish and claim the only visitation spot. I wanted to go, but I felt that Brian deserved it more. After all, they were brother and sister, nothing is closer than blood.
“Okay, fine, I’ll decide. Since I may not remember long enough to tell you all, nor could I make it down there, I nominate Zack as our official ambassador.” Brian huffed clenching a pillow to his fragile chest.
“I couldn’t; Val, you go.” I panicked
“No Zack, you’re going. She loves you and you love her, don’t pretend that we can’t all see that ring box in your pocket.” Damn Val and her observativeness.
Everyone looked at me and I blushed. No one kept secrets in the family and here I was, hiding one freaking huge secret from everyone. *Face Palm*
“Alright, I’ll go. Bri, buzz for a nurse.” I sighed, straightening my bow tie
Kathy entered the room shortly thereafter with an IV tucked under arm and a smile on her face.
“Hello, Mr. Haner. I came bearing fresh IV’s and good news.” She hung up the bag of clean liquid and stuck it into his transfusion tube, “You sir, are going to be released tomorrow as long as things keep their course.”
“Awesome, I don’t like it here.” He smiled, running a finger over his forehead carefully
“No touching, you know that.” She scolded shooing his hands away, “So who will be visiting Miss Devyn this evening?” she smiled looking at us.
“I am I suppose.” I frowned stepping forward
“Okay, then come with me Mr. Baker.” She left the room as I followed closely, “Don’t let all the machines scare you; she is stable, just unconscious. She is in rough shape, I won’t lie to you, but she’s alive which is better than a lot of people. Be thankful that she is still here with us today Mr. Baker. You never know what tomorrow holds.” I stood in front of a closed door
Kathy led me inside and I was thankful she had warned me about everything before I saw it in person. Devy’s beautiful face was covered with deep gashes and heavy bruising. Her arms were crossed over her chest showing the two black casts that wrapped around them like arm warmers. Her wet hair clung to her neck with a pink tinge to it from where someone had attempted to wash away the blood. Her already pale skin was a sickly white and it appeared as though death had already taken her from me.
My tears streamed down my cheeks in rivers as I collapsed by her side. My everything looked to be on her death bed and the one person at fault was myself. I took one of her hands in mine and kissed every finger; all the while my tears soaking her white hospital gown.
I let my head rest on her stomach, willing the situation away. Dev didn’t deserve this; she was the heartbeat of the band. We all loved her ever since Brian introduced us. I looked at her face and she looked at peace. I only wanted to talk to her a little bit.
“Dev. Of if you can hear me let me know somehow. Well, I planned to do this somewhere a little more romantic, but I can’t let time pass. Devyn, I have seriously loved you since your brother was gracious enough to introduce us. You are the most perfect angel I have ever come into contact with. I have only one question to ask you. Devyn Morgan Haner, would you give me the utmost pleasure of being your husband?” I sobbed, pulling the tiny ring from its place amidst the black velvet.
I slid it onto her finger and kissed her hand before letting it come to rest on top of the other battered hand. Her face was still peaceful, but I would swear a slight blush livened up her pale cheeks. My tears still rolled down my cheeks as I kissed her cold lips. I brushed the hair away from her face and kissed her forehead gently before standing straight. I turned to walk away when I hear a raspy voice call my name. I turned around to see her sapphire eyes looking up at me sadly. A new wave of tears came over me as I rushed to her side.
“Dev, I love you. I’m so sorry. This is all my fault, I’m so sorry.” I sobbed into her side
“Zacky, baby, nothing is your fault. You didn’t wreck that semi and you didn’t cause that truck to crush my side of the car. Now, I know damn well I’m not getting out of this hospital and I need you to live for me. Watch out for Bri because God knows he needs it and make sure everyone lives happy; including yourself.” Her smile made this hurt so much more, “I love you Zachary James Baker and I would love to be your wife, but you have to find someone else to love. No one will ever love you as much as I do and I need you to remember that. You’re my everything Zack and I’ll be watching out for you. When you get to the afterlife, I’ll be waiting. I love you Zack.” She showed me one final smile and I had to kiss her
I kissed her through her last breath. My hot tears dripped onto her face as her heart monitor sounded the crushing monotone. Kathy was the first medical person in the room and she looked at me carefully, her eyes frantic. I hung my head and told her no. I couldn’t be selfish this time; Dev was ready so I let her go. Kathy called off the emergency responders and called it. Her death certificate would state that Devyn Morgan Haner was pronounced dead at 6:21am on October 30, 2011. She was only 25 years old and her final companion was me.
I walked back to Brian’s room slowly, not believing what had just happened. My tears had frozen in my eyes and I felt the part of me that remained in that bed with Devyn. A large part of me had died with her in the moments of our last kiss. I felt nothing.
I was greeted by smiling faces and laughter in Brian’s room. The mood was light and playful, making me feel even more alienated. Everyone smiled up at me as I entered and took the remaining seat beside the bed.
“So what’s going on Zacky. How’s Dev doing?” Johnny smiled at me
“Well, uh, um, I can’t do this.” I collapsed into my own lap
Val scooped up my head and stroked my cheek, moving the dampened ebony hair from my face, “Zacky, honey, what happened in there?” her soothing voice tore me apart.
“I gave her the ring and she talked to me and she died in my arms. I let her die. I killed her!” I screamed, tearing at my chest
“Zachary Baker you did no such thing. You loved her, you didn’t kill her. Don’t ever say that!” Val sobbed resting a hand on my face while leaning into Matt’s chest
The entire room had dissolved into tears. Johnny sobbed in the corner and I knew how he felt. He loved Dev, we all did, but he and I shared a special bond. I couldn’t let my brother suffer. I moved to his side and spoke quietly.
“She wanted you to know you always held a special spot in her heart. She ever blamed you for anything. She loved you to death Johnny boy.” I smiled slightly, telling him what she had spoken to me about a month prior.
“Thanks man, I just can’t believe she’s really gone.” I sighed nodding slightly before patting his leg and moving to talk to Brian
Brian sat unmoving in his bed. No tears stained his cheeks, no emotions on his face. He looked at me with a cold, blank stare as I took a seat beside Jimmy. No one spoke, we all knew what one another thought.
“What did she tell you?” Brian sighed staring blankly at the game still playing on the TV.
“She loves me, she said she wants everyone to be happy. We all have a guardian angel now. She said she’ll be waiting for us and she told me to watch out for you because god knows you need to help sometimes.” We chuckled at her words
“Okay, I’ll ask one question then I want to get my papers and pain meds. Was she happy?” Brian asked as everyone’s attention turned to me again
I chuckled to myself, “Yeah, she died with a smile and a kiss. True Devyn style.” Everyone smiled slightly
“Okay.” Brian whispered letting tears drip down his cheeks

It felt surreal standing around a casket in the cemetery. People none of us knew hugged us and offered their condolences. None of us had planned for such a large turnout, but we were also hosting an open funeral; the fans were welcomed by our small family and Devyn’s massive friendship network.
Last time we did this I held Dev close while we lowered “Val” into the ground with Brian playing a solo atop the casket. That day was filled with laughter and happiness; much like today. The sun hid behind the cloud and a warm breeze swirled around the congregation. It was Dev’s ideal California day, overcast and windy. She would have drug us all to the beach to catch some waves.
Each of us tossed single, red roses on top of the casket as it was lowered into the ground. Each member of our small family held a shot of Jack; I held two. When the crowd was about to leave we all downed our shots and poured the extra on the first layer of fine soil over the black, wooden box. We laughed at our memorabilia that we placed by the grave marker. Johnny set a bottle of SoCo missing one drink, Jimmy set down a stuffed “stallion” duck and the picture of them holding their two pet ducks, smiling like idiots, Val put down the painting Cam had done of the two girls sitting drunk and naked on top of the tour bus, Matt put down his favorite bandana with a glitter mark on it from Dev, Brian set down a picture of them as kids, dancing naked in the living room, and I put the lyrics I had just written for the newest album. I had titled it “fiction,” and Dev had loved the lyrics, helping to fill the page with some doodles, along with the empty ring boy that once held her wedding ring. We all knew our Devyn was gone and our lives of fiction would have to continue for her.

Description
-Zacky’s POV-
“Damn it Brian! What takes this long?” I paced outside of the restaurant I had made reservations at an hour before.
I knew I should have convinced Jimmy to help. But, it is Brian’s sister I’m trying to propose to. God what is taking them so long?
My train of thought was broken by an unknown number showing up on my caller ID. Great, time to change my number again. Crazy fucking fans.
“Vengeance?” I answered, slightly more than irritated
“Is a Zack Baker there?” a woman asked
“Speaking.” I sighed trying to end the conversation
“Hello, this is Kathy with Huntington Beach Medical Center, we have two patients here that were in a severe car accident. One said to contact you. Do you know Brian and Devyn Haner Sir?” my heart sank
“Yes, what’s wrong? Will they be okay?” my panic took over
“We’re not completely sure of the extent of their injuries. Devyn is still unconscious, but Brian seems to be doig well. Are you their family, Sir?” she asked without missing a beat
“I am, may I visit them?” I asked letter the tears well up a little
“You can visit Brian, but Devyn is being kept in ICU so only immediate family can visit her.” She sounded like she was trying to be nice
“Ma’am, her parents are dead and clearly her brother is already with you all. Their friends are the only family they have. If just one of us could visit her so we all know what the situation is.” My tears slid down my cheeks silently
“I’ll see what I can work out for you all. Just ask for Kathy at the front desk when you get here.”
“Thank you so much Kathy, have a good evening.”
“You too Mr. Baker.”
I sped towards Huntington Beach, calling everyone to explain the situation. Matt and Val told me they saw on the news where a tractor trailer had overturned and caused a forty car pileup. They said there had been nineteen confirmed deaths and numerous injuries. My heart sank even further into the pit of my stomach as they told me this. I had sat, fuming, because Brian took forever and I was ready to propose to his sister. They would have never been in that wreck had it been any other day. They wouldn’t have been going to Long Beach if not for my bright idea.

Everyone was waiting together in the waiting room when I made it to the hospital. I tried to smile, but we all felt the same; depressed. My puffy, red eyes scanned the tear soaked group of friends that looked back at me. A whole new wave of sobs shook my body as everyone jumped up to hug me. No one, aside from Brian, knew of my plans for the night, but they knew I loved Dev with all my heart. I loved both of them and it was my fault they were here.
We talked quietly for a bit to console each other, then as a family, we approached the front desk. An older blonde woman looked tired and irritated when she turned to us.
“Is Kathy available?” I asked quietly, my voice rasping with ever word.
“Hold on, I’ll have to page her.” She turned to get the phone
A few minutes later a tall, think brunette rounded the corner wearing the name plate I was looking for. She smiled at us and asked the other woman what she needed.
“This young man asked for you.” The blonde said, gesturing towards me.
“Oh, you must be Mr. Baker, come with me please.” She smiled leading up back
We went straight to room 1026 and stopped. Kathy knocked on the door then stuck her head in quietly. We all waited patiently as she checked for doctors, other nurses, and anything else that may require privacy.
“Technically visiting hours are over at 11, just keep quiet and you can stay as long as you like. When you decide who’s going to visit Devyn have Mr. Haner buss for a nurse. You all have a good evening.” She smiled walking away.
The TV flickered as it played a Heat game and Brian sat, propped up in his bed. The tiny cuts on his face and neck looked like he’d stood in front of a wood chipper for an hour. It looks like they had greased back his hair to repair the deep gash on his forehead and he had since attempted to style it in his signature spikes. Leave it to Brian Haner to attempt to look like a rock star in a hospital gown.
“Hey guys, what’s going on?” he smiled
“Hey man, you doing okay? You look pretty fucked up.” Jimmy smiled at him
“I feel pretty fucked up. They said I broke like four ribs, bruised a lung, broke my left arm, and have mild amnesia due to a concussion.” He laughed about the last part
“So, do you remember anything?” I asked quietly
“Not much, I remember that my side hit another car going like eighty, we spun then rolled and I’m assuming then was when I hit my head because I don’t remember anything from then to when the doctor shined a light in my eyes about two hours ago. Did they tell you anything about Dev? They won’t tell me anything, all they care about is me not remembering my name when they got me talking. Apparently I kept telling them that they should know who I fucking am, Synyster Mother Fucking Gates! So, technically that is my name, dicks.” Everyone laughed at his mini rant
“No man, they only said she was still unconscious in ICU, no specifics. Speaking of which, who is going to visit her? I was told that only one of us could go to ICU with her.” I frowned, not wanting to think about what all that entailed
Everyone looked around, completely silent. None of us wanted to be selfish and claim the only visitation spot. I wanted to go, but I felt that Brian deserved it more. After all, they were brother and sister, nothing is closer than blood.
“Okay, fine, I’ll decide. Since I may not remember long enough to tell you all, nor could I make it down there, I nominate Zack as our official ambassador.” Brian huffed clenching a pillow to his fragile chest.
“I couldn’t; Val, you go.” I panicked
“No Zack, you’re going. She loves you and you love her, don’t pretend that we can’t all see that ring box in your pocket.” Damn Val and her observativeness.
Everyone looked at me and I blushed. No one kept secrets in the family and here I was, hiding one freaking huge secret from everyone. *Face Palm*
“Alright, I’ll go. Bri, buzz for a nurse.” I sighed, straightening my bow tie
Kathy entered the room shortly thereafter with an IV tucked under arm and a smile on her face.
“Hello, Mr. Haner. I came bearing fresh IV’s and good news.” She hung up the bag of clean liquid and stuck it into his transfusion tube, “You sir, are going to be released tomorrow as long as things keep their course.”
“Awesome, I don’t like it here.” He smiled, running a finger over his forehead carefully
“No touching, you know that.” She scolded shooing his hands away, “So who will be visiting Miss Devyn this evening?” she smiled looking at us.
“I am I suppose.” I frowned stepping forward
“Okay, then come with me Mr. Baker.” She left the room as I followed closely, “Don’t let all the machines scare you; she is stable, just unconscious. She is in rough shape, I won’t lie to you, but she’s alive which is better than a lot of people. Be thankful that she is still here with us today Mr. Baker. You never know what tomorrow holds.” I stood in front of a closed door
Kathy led me inside and I was thankful she had warned me about everything before I saw it in person. Devy’s beautiful face was covered with deep gashes and heavy bruising. Her arms were crossed over her chest showing the two black casts that wrapped around them like arm warmers. Her wet hair clung to her neck with a pink tinge to it from where someone had attempted to wash away the blood. Her already pale skin was a sickly white and it appeared as though death had already taken her from me.
My tears streamed down my cheeks in rivers as I collapsed by her side. My everything looked to be on her death bed and the one person at fault was myself. I took one of her hands in mine and kissed every finger; all the while my tears soaking her white hospital gown.
I let my head rest on her stomach, willing the situation away. Dev didn’t deserve this; she was the heartbeat of the band. We all loved her ever since Brian introduced us. I looked at her face and she looked at peace. I only wanted to talk to her a little bit.
“Dev. Of if you can hear me let me know somehow. Well, I planned to do this somewhere a little more romantic, but I can’t let time pass. Devyn, I have seriously loved you since your brother was gracious enough to introduce us. You are the most perfect angel I have ever come into contact with. I have only one question to ask you. Devyn Morgan Haner, would you give me the utmost pleasure of being your husband?” I sobbed, pulling the tiny ring from its place amidst the black velvet.
I slid it onto her finger and kissed her hand before letting it come to rest on top of the other battered hand. Her face was still peaceful, but I would swear a slight blush livened up her pale cheeks. My tears still rolled down my cheeks as I kissed her cold lips. I brushed the hair away from her face and kissed her forehead gently before standing straight. I turned to walk away when I hear a raspy voice call my name. I turned around to see her sapphire eyes looking up at me sadly. A new wave of tears came over me as I rushed to her side.
“Dev, I love you. I’m so sorry. This is all my fault, I’m so sorry.” I sobbed into her side
“Zacky, baby, nothing is your fault. You didn’t wreck that semi and you didn’t cause that truck to crush my side of the car. Now, I know damn well I’m not getting out of this hospital and I need you to live for me. Watch out for Bri because God knows he needs it and make sure everyone lives happy; including yourself.” Her smile made this hurt so much more, “I love you Zachary James Baker and I would love to be your wife, but you have to find someone else to love. No one will ever love you as much as I do and I need you to remember that. You’re my everything Zack and I’ll be watching out for you. When you get to the afterlife, I’ll be waiting. I love you Zack.” She showed me one final smile and I had to kiss her
I kissed her through her last breath. My hot tears dripped onto her face as her heart monitor sounded the crushing monotone. Kathy was the first medical person in the room and she looked at me carefully, her eyes frantic. I hung my head and told her no. I couldn’t be selfish this time; Dev was ready so I let her go. Kathy called off the emergency responders and called it. Her death certificate would state that Devyn Morgan Haner was pronounced dead at 6:21am on October 30, 2011. She was only 25 years old and her final companion was me.
I walked back to Brian’s room slowly, not believing what had just happened. My tears had frozen in my eyes and I felt the part of me that remained in that bed with Devyn. A large part of me had died with her in the moments of our last kiss. I felt nothing.
I was greeted by smiling faces and laughter in Brian’s room. The mood was light and playful, making me feel even more alienated. Everyone smiled up at me as I entered and took the remaining seat beside the bed.
“So what’s going on Zacky. How’s Dev doing?” Johnny smiled at me
“Well, uh, um, I can’t do this.” I collapsed into my own lap
Val scooped up my head and stroked my cheek, moving the dampened ebony hair from my face, “Zacky, honey, what happened in there?” her soothing voice tore me apart.
“I gave her the ring and she talked to me and she died in my arms. I let her die. I killed her!” I screamed, tearing at my chest
“Zachary Baker you did no such thing. You loved her, you didn’t kill her. Don’t ever say that!” Val sobbed resting a hand on my face while leaning into Matt’s chest
The entire room had dissolved into tears. Johnny sobbed in the corner and I knew how he felt. He loved Dev, we all did, but he and I shared a special bond. I couldn’t let my brother suffer. I moved to his side and spoke quietly.
“She wanted you to know you always held a special spot in her heart. She ever blamed you for anything. She loved you to death Johnny boy.” I smiled slightly, telling him what she had spoken to me about a month prior.
“Thanks man, I just can’t believe she’s really gone.” I sighed nodding slightly before patting his leg and moving to talk to Brian
Brian sat unmoving in his bed. No tears stained his cheeks, no emotions on his face. He looked at me with a cold, blank stare as I took a seat beside Jimmy. No one spoke, we all knew what one another thought.
“What did she tell you?” Brian sighed staring blankly at the game still playing on the TV.
“She loves me, she said she wants everyone to be happy. We all have a guardian angel now. She said she’ll be waiting for us and she told me to watch out for you because god knows you need to help sometimes.” We chuckled at her words
“Okay, I’ll ask one question then I want to get my papers and pain meds. Was she happy?” Brian asked as everyone’s attention turned to me again
I chuckled to myself, “Yeah, she died with a smile and a kiss. True Devyn style.” Everyone smiled slightly
“Okay.” Brian whispered letting tears drip down his cheeks

It felt surreal standing around a casket in the cemetery. People none of us knew hugged us and offered their condolences. None of us had planned for such a large turnout, but we were also hosting an open funeral; the fans were welcomed by our small family and Devyn’s massive friendship network.
Last time we did this I held Dev close while we lowered “Val” into the ground with Brian playing a solo atop the casket. That day was filled with laughter and happiness; much like today. The sun hid behind the cloud and a warm breeze swirled around the congregation. It was Dev’s ideal California day, overcast and windy. She would have drug us all to the beach to catch some waves.
Each of us tossed single, red roses on top of the casket as it was lowered into the ground. Each member of our small family held a shot of Jack; I held two. When the crowd was about to leave we all downed our shots and poured the extra on the first layer of fine soil over the black, wooden box. We laughed at our memorabilia that we placed by the grave marker. Johnny set a bottle of SoCo missing one drink, Jimmy set down a stuffed “stallion” duck and the picture of them holding their two pet ducks, smiling like idiots, Val put down the painting Cam had done of the two girls sitting drunk and naked on top of the tour bus, Matt put down his favorite bandana with a glitter mark on it from Dev, Brian set down a picture of them as kids, dancing naked in the living room, and I put the lyrics I had just written for the newest album. I had titled it “fiction,” and Dev had loved the lyrics, helping to fill the page with some doodles, along with the empty ring boy that once held her wedding ring. We all knew our Devyn was gone and our lives of fiction would have to continue for her.