78: IN MY HEART LUKE’S POV I stood at the entrance of the funeral home, my heart heavy with grief. Inside, my beloved cousin Riley lay peacefully in a casket, her young life cut short at just seventeen years old. The room was filled with sorrowful faces and the scent of fresh flowers. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before stepping forward. I approached Riley’s parents, my aunt and uncle, who stood next to the casket, tears streaming down their faces. I could see the pain etched on their faces, the weight of loss bearing down on their shoulders.I hugged them tightly, sharing their grief. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” I whispered, my voice choked with sadness. “Thank you, Luke. It means a lot to have you here with us,” My aunt, Sarah replied. That was the name of Riley’s mother. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. I nodded, unable to find the right words to comfort her. “I can’t believe she’s gone,” she added, her voice trembling Taking a deep breath, I slowly made my way to a vacant seat near the front row. I sat down, my eyes fixed on the casket. The pain was really intense. Memories of Riley flooded my mind her infectious laughter, the way she always had a kind word for everyone, and her vibrant spirit. It was hard to believe she was gone. As the funeral service began, a soft, somber melody filled the room. I listened to the minister was about to speak about Riley’s bright personality and the impact she had on those around her. His voice filled with compassion, began, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to remember and celebrate the beautiful life of Riley. Though her time with us was tragically short, she left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.” He paused, surveying the somber faces before continuing, “Riley possessed a radiant spirit that brought joy to all who knew her. She had a way of brightening even the darkest moments, reminding us all of the power of kindness and love.”“Remember when Riley helped us with our groceries? Always with a smile on her face.” I heard the voice of a lady whispering from behind. The minister continued, “Indeed, Riley’s kindness knew no bounds. She had a heart as wide as the ocean, and her acts of compassion touched countless lives.” “I remember when Riley took the time to listen to me after my wife passed away. She made îne feel heard and understood, even when I couldn’t find the words to express my grief.” A man sitting behind me vocalized. The minister looked at him with understanding eyes. “Riley had a special gift, dear friends. She had an innate ability to connect with others, to empathize with their joys and sorrows. She made us feel seen and cherished.” Amidst the quiet sniffles, someone else spoke, “I’ll never forget how Riley rallied the community during the floods last year. She organized a fundraiser and worked tirelessly to help those in need.” The minister smiled softly, acknowledging her words. “Riley’s spirit of service was boundless. She believed in the power of unity and selflessness, inspiring us all to make a difference.” As the minister concluded his eulogy, a sense of gratitude filled the room. “Let us carry Riley’s bright light within us. In her memory, let us continue to spread love, kindness, and compassion. Though her time was short, her impact was immeasurable. And as we say our final goodbyes, may we remember Riley as the beautiful soul that she will forever be.” After all these heartfelt eulogies, I found myself standing up to share my own memories.” Riley was more than just a cousin to me. She was my best friend, my confidante, and the one who always made me laugh when I needed it the most.” My voice trembled. My eyes were filled with tears as I continued, “I remember the countless adventures we had together, the late–night conversations, and the way she never failed to bring a smile to my face. Riley was a beautiful soul, and her absence will be felt deeply by all of us.” As I took my seat again, I felt a mix of sadness and relief. Sharing my memories of Riley had brought a small measure of comfort, but the pain of her loss still lingered heavily in my heart. The service concluded with a final prayer, and I joined the procession to the burial site. The sky was overcast, mirroring the somber atmosphere. As the casket was lowered into the ground, I watched, my eyes filled with tears. “Goodbye,” I whispered, knowing that Riley would forever hold a special place in my heart. After the burial, I stood by Riley’s grave, surrounded by family and friends. They were sharing stories, laughter, and tears, finding solace in each other’s presence. It was a bittersweet moment. But I wasn’t going to spend another time around here. I walked away from the cemetery, my heart heavy with loss. Riley’s memory would forever be in my heart. I knew that life would never be the same without her, but I would honor her by living each day to the fullest, cherishing the moments we had shared together. I saw Ariel, walking to my direction. She halted the moment her eyes met mine, and at this point, this sadness had transfigured into rage. Ariel and I continued to stare at each other, the tension between us very clear. I could feel my frustration rising as I thought about her showing up late. She had promised to be here, but it seemed like her business was the top priority for her. I couldn’t help but feel hurt and disappointed by her lack of consideration for our plans. Yet, as we locked eyes, I could see the guilt and regret in her expression, and I knew she was aware of how her actions had affected me, After a long and uncomfortable silence, staring at each other, Ariel’s guilt and remorse were quite clear once again. She seemed on the verge of saying something, perhaps a heartfelt apology for her actions. But before she could utter a word, I made a swift decision and walked past her, not giving her the chance to speak. I walked to my car, my steps heavy and my heart heavier. As I entered the vehicle, I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh, exhaustion and sadness washing over me. The past few moments had been filled with sorrow and grief, experiencing the loss of a dear loved one. Heartbreaking, extremely sad, and I was very uncomfortable. I’ve had too many loved ones to lose. From my parents to my grandpa to Riley. I hoped no one was next. I covered my face with my hands, trying to process the overwhelming emotions that consumed me. The drive ahead would be a long and difficult one, but I knew I had to keep moving forward, even in the midst of my pain. My phone began to ring, but I wasn’t in any mood to answer the call. It rang continuously, but I still refused to answer. Then I received a text message instantly. I took a look at it and the message read: “I told you.” With this, I knew who had been calling me the whole time.
