Chapter 70: Grieving (Part 2)

Summer’s Point of View

Alina Samantha R. Carter

“What a lovely name you have. Alina. Samantha. R. Carter.” I knelt beside her tombstone, whispering her name once more, feeling the rough edges of the engraved letters under my fingertips.

As I brushed away the small amount of dirt that had settled on the surface, I inhaled the scent of freshly cut grass and damp earth. After lighting the candle and setting it down, the soft flickering light cast a warm glow on her name. My tears had ceased, leaving my eyes feeling raw and bare. It seemed the well of my emotions had run dry since this morning’s outburst. I gently placed the bouquet and seat beside her.

“How are you doing, baby? Have you met your grandparents?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “I apologize for the delay in my return visit.”

I knew it may have sounded strange, but I had resorted to talking to myself as a means of dealing with the agony. At that moment, my gaze had shifted towards the grave marker adjacent to m