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.

for the burial. As I watched my parents being lowered into the ground, I felt a sense of finality.

alone.

like to say a few

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

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

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Lake?” he asked, looking down at me

have you,” I replied, giving him a small smile.

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

my grandfather whispered, kissing

replied, feeling comforted to know that I still had family

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

ready, Luke?” he

my fingers over my parents‘ names engraved on the stone, feeling the coldness of the letters against my skin. It has been

my voice cracking. “It’s me, Luke.

a few steps behind me, giving me some privacy to talk to my parents. But I

much I’ve grown physically and emotionally. I wish you could be here to

presence behind me and knew he

time. “You will forever

promise.”

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

love you, Mom and Dad,” I whispered before walking away with my grandpa.