Tyler stepped onto the grand stage, his eyes wide with grief and absolute determination. He stood right behind the white casket, pointing the heavy metal tool directly at Arthur's face. The crowded room burst into uncomfortable hushed whispers, and several city council members sat up in shock as they watched the young boy defy his wealthy stepfather in public.
Tyler: You have to open it! She is still inside!
Arthur: Stop! Put that down right now, you little brat!
Tyler: You put her in there! I know what you did to her trust fund, Arthur!
Arthur stepped forward rapidly, his teeth gritted and his face turning bright red with violent fury. A private security guard stepped up to the edge of the stage, but Tyler raised the crowbar high over his head, screaming with every ounce of strength left in his small body. Tears streamed down Tyler's cheeks, but his hands remained as steady as rock.
Tyler: She's still inside! Open it!
Before Arthur or the security guard could grab him, Tyler swung the heavy steel tool down with massive force against the center of the white casket lid. A deafening sound echoed through the hall as the thick wooden shell shattered and cracked wide open, leaving a dark, jagged fissure right down the center of the pristine white surface. A woman in the front row wearing a green velvet dress gasped loudly, clutching her throat in terror.
Arthur lost control completely. He reached inside his beige suit jacket, pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun, and pointed it directly at Tyler and the horrified crowd. The audience shrieked in terror, ducking behind the wooden pews as Arthur snarled with open rage, his eyes completely wild.
Arthur: Step away from the casket! Nobody move or I swear I will shoot!