Chapter 258
Chapter 258
Chapter 258
258: THROWBACK: MORE BROKEN
LUKE’S POV
FLASHBACK
I never thought I would have to attend my parents‘ funeral at the age of seven. It all happened so
suddenly, and I was left with my grandfather as my only family now. As we entered the church, d could
feel the weight of the situation on my small shoulders. My grandfather held my hand tightly we made
our way to the front of the church, where my parents‘ caskets were placed.
I could hear people whispering and sniffling as we passed by them. Some of them gave me.
sympathetic looks, but I couldn’t bring myself to look back. I just kept my head down and followed my
grandfather.
Reaching the front, I saw two bodies covered there, and this left me more broken. Tears filled my eyes,
and I could feel my throat tightening. My grandfather squeezed my hand, and I knew he was trying to
give me strength.
“Grandpa, why did they have to go?” I finally spoke, my voice trembling.
“I know, Luke. I don’t have the answers, but I promise to take care of you from now on,” my grandfather
replied, his voice filled with sadness.
We sat down in the front row, and the priest began the service. I tried to listen, but the words seemed to
be a blur. I couldn’t believe that my parents were gone and I would never see them again. My eyes kept
wandering to their caskets, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness inside me.
After the service, people started to come and pay their respects. My grandfather held my hand as we
stood in line, and people kept coming to us, offering condolences. I could see tears in their eyes,
making me realize how much my parents meant to them.
A woman approached me, and I recognized her as my mother’s great friend. She hugged me tightly
and whispered, “Your parents were amazing, Luke. They loved you so much.”
‘I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore, and I buried my face on my grandfather’s shoulder. He
rubbed my back soothingly and whispered words of comfort.
After the funeral, my grandfather and I made our way to the cemetery for the burial. As I watched my
parents being lowered into the ground, I felt a sense of finality. They were truly gone, and I was left
alone.
“Luke, would you like to say a few words?” My grandfather asked, breaking the silence.
I nodded and stepped forward, looking at the caskets. “Mom, Dad, I miss you both so much. I wish you
were still here with me. But I know you will always be watching over me from above. I love you,” I said,
my voice shaking with emotion.
My grandfather hugged me, and we stayed there for a while, just standing in silence. As we returned to
the car, my grandfather held my hand tightly, and I knew he would always be there for me.
250, THROWANY MORE BROKEN
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“Are you okay, Lake?” he asked, looking down at me with concern.
“I will be, Grandpa. I have you,” I replied, giving him a small smile.
We drove home, and my grandfather tucked me into bed, just like my parents used to do. As I closed
my eyes, I could still feel their presence, and I knew they would always be with me in spirit.
“Goodnight, Laike,” my grandfather whispered, kissing my forehead.
“Goodnight, Grandpa,” I replied, feeling comforted to know that I still had family by my side.
As I approached the familiar gravestone, I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat. I took a deep
breath and tried to hold back my tears. My grandpa put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it
gently, giving me a reassuring smile.
“Are you ready, Luke?” he asked.
I nodded, not trusting my voice to speak. We stood in front of the grave, and I gently placed a bouquet
of flowers on the grass. I traced my fingers over my parents‘ names engraved on the stone, feeling the
coldness of the letters against my skin. It has been three years since they left me.
Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “It’s me, Luke. I turned ten today.”
My grandpa stood a few steps behind me, giving me some privacy to talk to my parents. But I knew he
was listening, just like he always did. Knowing that I wasn’t alone comforted me.
“I miss you both so much,” I continued, my voice trembling. “I wish you were here to celebrate with me,
I wish you could see how much I’ve grown physically and emotionally. I wish you could be here to guide
me and give me advice. But I know you’re watching over me, which strengthens me.”
I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears. I could feel my grandpa’s presence behind me and
knew he was smiling proudly. I turned to him and gave him a small smile before turning back to my
parents‘ grave.
“I want you to know that I will always remember you, Mom and Dad,” I said, my voice stronger this time.
“You will forever be in my heart, and nothing can ever change that. I will make you proud, I
promise.”
I felt my grandpa’s hand on my shoulder again, and I knew it was time to go. I said my final goodbye to
my parents and turned to leave, but not before giving the gravestone one last touch.
“I love you, Mom and Dad,” I whispered before walking away with my grandpa.
Getting inside the car, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. The emotions from visiting my parents‘
grave overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but cry.
25A THROWBACK MORE BROKEN
My grandpa noticed and immediately reached over to wipe away my tears. “Don’t cry, Luke,” he said
softly. “Your parents wouldn’t want to see you sad on your birthday.”
“But I miss them so much,” 1 sobbed. “I wish they were here.”
I sniffled and tried to compose myself. My grandpa was right. My parents wouldn’t want me to be sad.
They always wanted me to be happy and enjoy life.
“I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I said, wiping my tears away. “I just wish they were here to celebrate with us.
“I know, Luke,” my grandpa said, starting the car. “But they are here in spirit. And we will always carry
them with us, no matter where we go.”
“Thank you, Grandpa,” I said, breaking the silence. “For always being here for me.”
“It’s my pleasure, Luke,” he replied with a smile. “Your parents were my children, and you are my
grandchild. And I will always be here for you, no matter what.”
I smiled back at him and leaned my head against the window, watching the scenery pass by. I knew my
parents were watching over me, and I promised to make them proud