It was easy to dwell on the past, to fixate on mistakes, and mourn the time when the pain began.
Easier still to let the relentless grind of time swallow the heart with guilt.
But grief, in truth, was only proof of love. Because without love, there would be nothing left to mourn.
With Berry's clothes carefully placed inside the sealed coffin, Ray placed his hand on his chest.
He bowed in a solemn salute to the old man who had once taught him how to wield a sword.
"Teacher… I apologize for coming too late."
That was all he could manage before the sorrow choked his throat.
There would be no booming laughter in the barracks, no teasing of the old man.
With a last bow, the coffin was sent off toward the Darkhelm capital, where Berry's family waited.
Swallowing the ache that threatened to burn his eyes, he stood there, watching the cart roll away until it disappeared from sight.
