Three days later, the camp gathered in silence. Esther’s body was laid to rest at the small cemetery near the edge of the camp. The sky was gray, and the wind blew gently, as if mourning with them.
Athisa stood near the grave, her hands shaking as she held a bunch of wildflowers. Her eyes were swollen from crying. She had been the closest to Esther, almost like a younger sister. Now, standing there without her, Athisa felt completely alone and helpless.
“Why didn’t you save her?” she whispered, not to hurt, but in pain, as she stood near Celestia’s side. Her voice was soft, cracked by sadness.
Celestia turned her head slowly. Her eyes, red from crying too, met Athisa’s. She didn’t say anything, but she gently wiped the tears off Athisa’s cheeks. Her chest felt heavy, filled with guilt.
