Every piece of hope is diminished as I’m pulled away from the casket, ugly tears racking my body with shakes. I watched my mother’s pale face blend in with the white bedding on the bottom. She was so beautiful—even now. But, the life that made her her was drained away from her eyes, leaking out like rotten honey.

“No!” I shout as I try to claw my way from my father who was dragging me back. She was my life, my heart—the one who taught me everything I needed to know. The one who could tell me what to do. My mom. She was gone—I couldn’t come to terms with it.

Half of my soul fleeted away when hers went to heaven.

“Honey, they need to—“ but I can’t hear.

I rip from his hands, running up to her body before they can close the casket forever. I wouldn’t allow it, couldn’t. I need to stay with her. She will be sad and lonely and dirty all alone six feet underneath, under all that dirt. My mother never liked getting her hands dirty. I wonder how she would feel now.

“Stop.” I hear someone’s gruff voice form behind me as I’m running to the casket. I can’t figure who nor did I try. For the only thing I could focus on was the only person I ever looked up to.

“Let her,” the gruff voice speaks again. Adelio. His hands are around my waist. He falls to his knees besides me, stroking my hair, resting his head in the nook of my shoulder and my nook. He was here. The only sliver of hope I had left in this cruel world.

“You’re okay, baby..” he whispers calmly. I don’t believe him. “Cry it all out.” He advises and I do. I do until the sun is below the horizon and everyone has left except my father. I do until my father is slumped in the drivers seat of his car and the moon shines high and bright.

I’m all run dry of tears. “Am I going to be okay?” I ask Adelio, turning to him with my cheeks tear-stained. We’re both still on our knees, his hands are on my waist. His eyes are wide and caring and soft.

“You most definitely are, my love. How do I know that, you say? I know because you are one the most resilient people I have ever met—that is what I love about you. Not to mention, how huge your heart is.” He smiles at my soft, faint smile and pecks me on my forehead. “You’re going to be just fine.” And for once, I think I might just be.