Chapter Twenty Three

The air was heavy with grief and sadness, but there was also a sense of pride and honor. The colonel's flag draped casket sat at the front of the church. The casket was unfortunately empty, as his corpse was yet to be found from the bottomless sea where the vehicle he was in had dived into after the tragic collision.

The church was filled with people, dressed in black. The pews were crowded with friends, family, and colleagues of the fallen soldier. Samara sat close with her family members who had come all the way to the city for the funeral. Debrah's reassuring grip on Samara's trembling hands conveyed more support than words ever could as the funeral service began.

The priest's voice, steady and somber, echoed through the hallowed space, sharing passages of solace from the holy book. With heartfelt words, he painted a portrait of Colonel Frederick's unwavering courage and selflessness, illuminating the depth of his sacrifice in service to his nation.

When it was time for Samara to s