The morning air hung heavy in the ceremonial grove, quiet except for a gentle rustle of leaves. I stood frozen in front of the fresh mound of dirt marking Liam’s grave. Someone had placed a smooth river stone at the head, his name carved into it along with four simple words: Gentle soul, fierce heart.
My chest ached. The wound of his death felt raw and gaping, even though three days had passed since Emily broke the news. I’d finally gathered enough strength to visit, but now that I was here, I had no idea what to do with the storm churning inside me.
Emily kept a respectful distance behind me. “Take whatever time you need,” she said softly. “I’ll wait by the path.”
After her footsteps faded, I knelt beside the mound, my fingers trembling as I laid down the small bundle of wildflowers I’
