Avery's POV

I stood among the sombre crowd, my heart weighed heavy with grief. The rain had ceased, leaving behind a cool, overcast day that seemed to echo the collective sorrow of all who had gathered to bid farewell to Maria. Dressed in muted tones of black and grey, we formed a circle around the simple casket, which held the body of the woman who had been a guiding light in my life.

The funeral took place in a serene cemetery with tall trees providing a canopy of shelter. The soft sound of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze seemed to whisper secrets of the past as if nature itself mourned the loss of a remarkable soul. The caretakers, children from the orphanage, and members of the orphanage community were all present, their faces etched with sadness and respect.

Maria's dedication to the orphanage was evident in the many children she had nurtured and cared for over the years. Among the attendees were kids of all ages, some with tears streaming down their faces, while others held back their emotions, trying to be strong for the sake of the group.

As the time came to bid our final farewell to Maria, a heavy silence enveloped the gathering. I stood before her casket, my heart pounding with a mixture of love, sorrow, and an overwhelming desire to hold on to her presence just a little longer. With trembling hands, I gently touched her face, as if trying to etch every detail into my memory.

My fingers traced the faint scars that marred her once radiant skin. I felt a mix of anger and sorrow welling up within me, as I realized that this remarkable woman, who had dedicated her life to caring for others, had met such a brutal and unjust end.

Maria's hands, once nurturing and comforting, now bore scars that told a story of struggle and pain. They were hands that had held mine during the darkest times, guiding me with unwavering strength and love. Seeing them now, wounded and lifeless, shattered my heart into pieces.

As my gaze lingered on her scars, my anger intensified. I felt a surge of emotions, a mix of helplessness and rage, like a storm raging within me.

The world felt unjust, cruel, and unfair, and I struggled to reconcile the image of Maria in her current state with the vibrant woman I had known. I wanted to scream, to demand answers, to bring her back, but all I could do was stand there, my heart heavy with grief and anger.

It was as if the scars on her face and hands were a reflection of the scars now etched into my soul. My mind struggled to make sense of the incomprehensible. How could someone so full of life and love be silenced so violently? The reality of her loss felt like a cruel nightmare that I couldn't wake up from.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find solace in the memories of Maria's infectious laughter and her warm embrace. But the image of her scars lingered, reminding me of the brutal truth that she was no longer with us.

At that moment, I made a silent promise to Maria and myself. I vowed to carry her memory with me, not just the joyful moments, but also the pain she had endured. I would honour her by seeking justice, by ensuring that her light continued to shine even in the darkest corners of the world.

Though my heart was heavy, I knew that I couldn't let anger consume me entirely. Maria had taught me the strength of forgiveness and compassion, and I would carry those lessons forward. But for now, in this moment of raw grief, I allowed myself to feel the depth of my emotions, knowing that it was okay to be angry, to be devastated, and to question the cruelty of life.

As I looked down at Maria's peaceful face once more, I realized that she had left an indelible mark on my life, one that no scars or physical absence could erase. The love and guidance she had bestowed upon me would live on, becoming a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of darkness.

I leaned down and kissed her cheeks, whispering my heartfelt goodbye, my tears falling freely. It felt like my heart was breaking into a thousand pieces, and I couldn't bear the thought of letting her go.

With a heavy heart, I reluctantly stepped away from the casket, knowing that it was time to let her rest. As the gravediggers began to close the casket, I stood there, unable to tear myself away.

The sound of the wooden lid closing seemed to echo through my soul, a finality that was hard to accept. With every inch it descended, a part of me felt like it was being buried along with her.

The reality of her absence hit me like a tidal wave, and I clutched the necklace she had given me all those years ago, seeking comfort in its familiar touch. My fingers trembled, and I struggled to hold back tears that threatened to spill from my eyes.

Amidst the pain, Sarah reached out and held my hand. Her small, warm fingers wrapped around mine, offering a tender embrace that cut through the darkness of grief. I looked down at her tear-stained face, and at that moment, I felt a sense of responsibility to be strong for her and the other children, just as Maria had been strong for me.

"Is Maria going to be a star now, like she used to tell us?" Sarah asked in her sweet, innocent voice.

"Yes, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "She'll be a bright star shining down on us, guiding us from above."

Sarah nodded, her small arms still wrapped around me, as if trying to offer me the comfort she thought I needed. On the other hand, Sophia's comforting presence by my side was a lifeline, grounding me amidst the tempest of emotions. She put her arm around me, offering steady support that kept me from falling apart completely.

"It's okay to grieve, Avery," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the earth settling.

As the funeral came to an end, the caretakers and children lingered for a while longer, each seeking their own way to say a final goodbye. Some left flowers, others shared whispered words of love and gratitude, and some simply stood in silence, finding solace in the collective embrace of sorrow.

The sky above seemed to weep with us, as raindrops began to fall, mingling with our tears. The gentle patter of rain created a sombre melody, a poignant symphony of grief and loss. I raised my face to the sky, letting the rain wash away my tears as if nature itself was cleansing our hearts.

We gathered at the orphanage for a shared meal as the day drew to a close. It was a bittersweet moment, the familiar chatter of children filling the air, mingling with the quiet sobs of those mourning Maria. But amidst the tears, there was also laughter as we shared stories of her humour and warmth.

I sat in a corner, my heart still heavy, but grateful for the support of the orphanage community. Sophia, my confidante and rock, sat beside me, her presence a source of comfort. 

"Avery," she said softly, "Maria's light will always shine within you. You carry her love and guidance in your heart, just as she carried yours in hers."

I nodded, tears welling up once again. "She was everything to me, Sophia. I don't know how I'll ever fill the void she left."

"You don't have to," Sophia replied gently. "Maria's legacy lives on through you and all the children she cared for. It's okay to grieve and to feel lost but remember that you are not alone. We are all here for you."

After dinner, I found myself wandering through the quiet hallways of the orphanage. The familiar creaking of the wooden floors beneath my feet echoed the emptiness within me. It was as if Maria's laughter, her gentle guidance, and the warmth of her presence still lingered in the corners of every room.

I passed by the children's dormitory, their small beds neatly made, awaiting the dreams that would come. The sound of soft, steady breathing filled the air, a reminder of the innocence and vulnerability that coexisted with the harsh realities of life.

I entered the room that had once been my sanctuary, where Maria had tucked me in and shared bedtime stories that whisked me away to far-off lands. As I stood in the room that held so many cherished memories, I felt a mixture of comfort and anguish. The familiar surroundings were a testament to the love and care Maria had showered upon me. The soft glow of the nightlight cast a warm hue across the room, making it feel like a haven despite the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I settled onto the edge of the bed, the very spot where Maria used to sit each night, her tender voice weaving enchanting tales of magical creatures and distant realms. I closed my eyes, trying to summon the soothing cadence of her storytelling, hoping it would bring a momentary escape from the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm me.

But as the memories washed over me, the dam of emotions broke, and I found myself weeping uncontrollably. How could I ever forget her comforting presence, her gentle hand smoothing the covers, and the way she tucked me in with such care?

Frustration surged within me, fuelled by the knowledge of the scars that now marred her once radiant face and hands. It was a brutal reminder of the heinous act that had taken her life, and I struggled to reconcile the image of the strong, loving woman I knew with the horrifying reality of her death.

I got up from the bed and approached the window, gazing out at the world that seemed so indifferent to our pain. The rain had intensified, the drops merging into rivulets that streaked the glass like tears of the heavens.

Feeling restless, I decided to go for a walk, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind. The rain was still falling, but a part of me welcomed its cleansing presence. As I stepped outside, the cool droplets embraced me like a gentle hug, offering a sense of renewal.

The neighbourhood streets were deserted at this late hour, and I walked aimlessly, my thoughts drifting between sorrow and determination. With every step, I felt the weight of my grief lift ever so slightly, replaced by a newfound resolve.

As I strolled along, I passed by the playground where Maria and I had spent countless afternoons with the children. The swings, once filled with laughter, now swayed silently in the rain. I paused for a moment, feeling the emptiness of the deserted playground.

Looking up at the sky, I noticed a break in the clouds, and a sliver of moonlight peeked through, illuminating the raindrops like a cascade of sparkling diamonds. At that moment, I felt a sense of connection to Maria, as if she were watching over me from beyond.

As I continued my walk through the rain-soaked streets, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. A chill ran down my spine, and I quickened my pace, seeking shelter from both the rain and the unsettling sensation.

Glancing over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of a tall figure standing across the street. The streetlights cast a dim glow, but I couldn't make out the person's features. My heart pounded in my chest, and I scolded myself for being paranoid. Still, I couldn't shake the nagging sense of familiarity that lingered in my mind.

As I hurried along, the figure seemed to follow, keeping a safe distance. Fear gnawed at me, and I considered seeking help from someone nearby. But the streets were deserted, and the rain deterred anyone from venturing outside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haha! Feel free to be mad at me for leaving you hanging like this. Curious about what happens next? Dive into Chapter 10 to find out!

A huge thanks to AnastasiaBlakely for her tremendous support of my work. She's not only a genuine friend but also a talented writer on Wattpad. Check out her captivating story "Vandenberg" — it's truly intriguing!

COMMENT ❤️❤️

VOTE❤️❤️