THE WIND WAS soft that morning, carrying the scent of damp earth as they gathered at the small private cemetery. Maliwanag ang kalangitan — it was as if the world had decided to be peaceful just for this moment.
Tahimik na nakatayo si Esther habang ang dalawa niyang kamay ay nakahawak sa kaniyang tiyan. She was staring at the simple white urn that held the ashes of her parents. Nakatayo naman sa tabi niya si Ciaran at nakahawak ang kamay nito sa kaniyang likuran. Just like her, he was silent, but present.
Lucien and Mira were there too. Mira’s hand was tucked into the crook of Lucien’s arm.
Lucas and Celestine stood a few steps behind, giving Esther space, but their presence felt like a promise that she was no longer alone.
Nag-usal ng dasal ang pari.
Humakbang naman si Esther pa
