Ang mga sumunod na araw matapos ang pagpanaw ni Mamita ay naging malabo para kay Allyson. Para siyang kumikilos na walang direksyon—ginagawa ang lahat ng kailangan nang hindi lubos na napoproseso ang nangyari.
Forms. Napakaraming forms.
Death certificate. Cremation authorization. Release of remains. Embassy notifications. Insurance claims.
"Ms. Morgan, sign here please," sabi ng funeral director—isang magalang na Japanese man na mahusay mag-Ingles.
Allyson signed. Hindi niya binasa. Hindi niya kaya.
"And here. For the cremation service."
Sign.
"And here. For the urn selection."
Sign.
Katabi niya si Von, helping navigate the bureaucracy. Turning to her every few minutes, checking kung okay pa ba siya.
"Ally, they're asking about the service. Do you want Buddhist rites? C
