The church overwhelmed me with the smell of incense and lilies. The strong aroma stuck to my lungs just like the sorrow stuck to my heart. My fingers, covered in black gloves, shook as I held onto the program, feeling the cold glossy surface against my skin. Looking at Lylah’s photo on the program, her smile frozen in time, brought back memories of when her smile would always brighten my day.
Pops held my hand tightly, a comforting presence in the midst of sadness. Dad, with a concerned look on his face, reached out to fix my beanie, silently showing his love and support.
On the other side, Lylah’s family sat with red, teary eyes and dressed in somber suits. Her mom and dad looked just as devastated as my own parents. Her brothers, Conrad and Zander, were nervously adjusting their oversi
