Ellen sat up in the coffin with Leo's help.
Cousin Mark ran over to untie her bound hands quickly.
The relatives crowded around the front in total disbelief today.
Ellen: He locked me away while I was sleeping deeply!
Aunt Sarah: Why would Richard do such an evil thing?
Ellen: He wanted the family inheritance money for his debts!
The whole room turned around to look at Richard standing.
Richard tried to run toward the back hallway exit doors.
Two large cousins rushed across the carpet and blocked him.
Cousin Mark: You are not going anywhere until police arrive!
Uncle Richard: She was going to waste our family trust fund!
Ellen: That money was left for Leo's future college fund!
Ellen stepped out of the coffin onto the wooden floor.
She dropped down to her knees and hugged Leo tightly.
Tears rolled down her pale cheeks as she kissed him.
Ellen: You were so brave today, my smart boy.
Leo: I heard you scratching from under the dark lid.
Ellen: I kept knocking hoping you would hear my hand.
The funeral director ran back inside holding his cell phone.
Director: The police officers are on their way right now!
Uncle Richard: You have no proof that I did this!
Ellen pointed her finger directly at her cold-hearted brother.
Ellen: He slipped a sleeping drug into my tea yesterday!
Aunt Sarah: That is absolute monster behavior from family!
Richard slumped down against the back wall in shame now.
His evil plan had failed because of one small boy.
Leo held his mother's warm hand tightly in his.
He felt the warmth of her living skin against his.
The dark nightmare was finally over for both of them.
Leo: I will never let anyone hurt you again, Mom.
Ellen: We are safe now thanks to your brave heart.
The sound of police sirens echoed from the street outside.
Justice was arriving fast for the cruel man responsible today.