Clara: Stop the burial right now! She is still alive inside!

The heavy double doors of the church slammed open as Clara rushed down the aisle, her orange prison jumpsuit bright against the dark funeral attire. She swung the heavy wooden axe with all her strength, her voice cracking with pure desperation.

Julian: Silence, you filthy maid!

Julian lunged forward from the front row, his face twisted in rage. He tackled Clara to the marble floor before she could reach the casket, knocking the axe from her trembling hands.

Clara: Listen to me! Please! She's breathing! You have to open it!

Julian: Get this lunatic out of here! She belongs back in her cell!

The room exploded into loud gasps as guests leaped from their pews. The white lacquer casket sat under the dim light, sealed tight with chrome latches. Suddenly, a faint, rhythmic sound echoed through the silent sanctuary—a dull thumping from inside the wooden box.

Marcus: Hold on... listen to the casket! She told the truth!

Marcus, Julian's older brother, stepped in front of the altar, his eyes wide with horror as he looked between the casket and his brother.

Julian: Don't touch it, Marcus! She's dead! The doctors signed the papers!

Marcus: Get out of my way, Julian!

Marcus grabbed Julian by his expensive suit jacket and threw him across the floor. The crowd screamed as Julian hit the cold tiles hard.

Marcus: You buried my wife alive for her fortune! Rot in federal prison!

Marcus grabbed the crowbar left behind near the altar and sprinted toward the white casket. Behind him, police officers rushed into the sanctuary to pin Julian to the ground, while Clara lay bleeding on the floor, pointing with her shaking hand at the sealed lid. The secret was out, but time was running out faster than anyone realized.