THE BURIAL

CHAPTER 19

ANNA

The day of the funeral dawns gray and sad as if the sky itself mourns my father’s passing. I stand at the entrance of St. Mary’s Church, feeling the chill in the air seep into my bones. Friends and family mill around, their faces etched with sorrow, sharing quiet condolences and supportive hugs.

Inside, the church is filled with the soft strains of Beethoven, the music echoing through the vaulted ceilings. The scent of lilies and roses fills the air, their white petals starkly contrasting to the darkness I feel inside. I take a deep breath and step forward, my heart heavy with grief. Damien really sorted everything as he said and I am grateful.

As I walk down the aisle with Lola, I see my father’s casket at the front of the church, draped in a simple, elegant cloth. Tears blur my vision, and I feel Damien’s stare on me. Lola holds my hand, gently squeezing it, reminding me that I’m not alone.

We take our seats in the front row, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s ey