The Love From Vengeance

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.

As I watched my parents being lowered into the ground, I

alone.

few words?” My grandfather asked,

I miss you both so much. I wish you were still here with me. But I know you

in silence. As we returned to the car, my grandfather

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okay, Lake?” he asked, looking down at me

will be, Grandpa. I have you,” I replied, giving him

my parents used to do. As I closed my eyes, I could still feel

whispered, kissing my

comforted to know that I still had family by my

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.

Luke?” he asked.

I traced my fingers over my parents‘ names engraved on the stone,

Mom. Hi, Dad,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “It’s me, Luke. I turned

stood a few steps behind me, giving me some privacy to talk to my parents. But I knew he was listening,

how much I’ve grown physically and emotionally. I

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‘

Mom and Dad,” I said, my voice stronger this time. “You will forever be in my heart, and nothing can ever

promise.”

my final goodbye to my parents and turned to leave, but

Dad,” I whispered before walking away