Elizabeth's life had spiralled since she was fourteen years old. Things were good before that, and she knew those memories hurt more than the bad ones.

A bird born in captivity never knew the essence of freedom. However, a bird that knew the taste of freedom would understand the pain of being caged.

Elizabeth was once a free bird.

Now she was still a free bird, but her wings were clipped.

Her eyes were hard as she stood beside her mother. She watched uncles from her mother's side gently help put down the coffin in the area which was dug.

She wished that the name on the tombstone was not of her father, but wishes hardly ever got granted.

Elizabeth was truly numb. Her mother was crying hysterically beside her, and a few people had tried to take advantage of her deranged state. Of course, Elizabeth was there to throw them off of her mother.

Her dad, Shane Kingston, loved his mother and her family more than he ever cared for his wife and daughter. She never knew why, but he always believed them and trusted them over everyone else.

And by everyone else, it would be his own daughter and wife.

Elizabeth found it ironic that the people he held closest to his heart were nowhere to be found. They all decided to stay back, something about, 'it would be too much to come to the funeral.'

And so Elizabeth and her mother stood in the cemetery, surrounded by men neither of them trusted. Other than her uncle, who was there to help them throughout.

Elizabeth's father was unkind to him on multiple occasions, yet he was the one who helped.

Ironic.

Elizabeth sighed and looked at the black coffin.

'I hope you get peace in heaven, Dad.'

Her father was flawed, like any other human being, but she loved him.

Elizabeth silently held onto the words, but she intended them for her father and hoped he would hear them.

'I would miss you, Dad. But I hope you are better now. Fly high.'

Elizabeth knelt and placed an assortment of white flowers over the coffin. She stood up and looked at the people who surrounded the grave, her expression blank. Without a word, she went beside her mother and waited for her to finish saying her prayers.

Once everything was over, Elizabeth held her mother's hand and stood tall.

Yes, she was alone, but she would be strong. She would not let her mother and father down.

It would be fine.

It would be fine.

She hoped it would be fine.