Alex lunged forward to snatch the keys back from Sarah's trembling hands quickly.
However, Sarah was faster and scrambled away toward the wooden altar steps immediately.
Sarah: Stay away from me, Alex! Do not step any closer to this!
Alex: You are making a huge mistake, Sarah! Give me those keys right now!
The guests began whispering loudly among themselves as panic spread across the room.
Several older family members stood up from their seats, looking confused and deeply worried.
Clara kicked her leg out and tripped one of the guards holding her arm.
She broke free for a second and ran toward Sarah to help her.
Clara: Use the silver key with the small blue mark on top!
Alex turned around in a rage and grabbed Clara’s arm to stop her.
He shoved her away, making her fall back against the floral row decorations.
Sarah: Alex, stop touching her! What is wrong with you today?
Sarah slid the silver key into the brass lock on top of the lid.
The metal mechanism turned with a loud click that echoed through the room.
Alex rushed forward again, his face completely pale and twisted with desperation.
He grabbed the heavy lid of the casket and tried to press it down.
Alex: You cannot open this! You do not understand what is happening!
Sarah: Get your hands off me right now, Alex, or I will scream!
A brave family friend stepped out from the front row of the seating.
He grabbed Alex by his shoulders and pulled him back from the altar.
Family Friend: Let her open the lid, Alex! Let us see the truth!
Sarah pulled the heavy brass latch back with a loud metallic snap sound.
She pushed the heavy white wooden lid up with all of her strength.
Gasps of shock echoed through the entire room as the casket opened wide.
Inside lay old Mark, his eyes half-open and his lips moving very weakly.
He was bound tightly around his chest with heavy cloth straps and tape.
His pale chest rose and fell as he tried desperately to breathe air.
Mark: Water... please, somebody help me... I cannot move...
Sarah covered her mouth with both hands as tears flooded down her face.
She looked up at Alex, who stood frozen in absolute terror and guilt.
Sarah: You monster! You tried to bury your own father alive today!