The Shadows Within

Chapter 28

**Matthew's POV**

I watched Shameka stand alone at the edge of the crowd, her eyes fixed on the casket. I could see the pain and grief etched on her face, and my heart ached for her.

I had tried to talk to her in the days since Dantae's death, but she had pushed me away. She was consumed by her own pain and guilt, and I couldn't blame her.

As we stood there, I felt a sense of helplessness. There was nothing I could do to ease her suffering. All I could do was be there for her, support her as she navigated this dark time.

But even that felt like a small comfort. I knew that Shameka needed more than just my presence. She needed someone to share in her pain, to understand what she was going through.

I glanced over at Alexander, who was standing nearby with a somber expression. We exchanged a brief glance, and I knew he felt the same way. We were all struggling to find a way to make it through this tragedy.

As the service came to a close, I felt a sense of sadness wash over me. This was just the beginning of Shameka's journey, and I feared for what lay ahead.

**Shana's POV**

I watched Shameka from afar, my heart heavy with sorrow. I had known Dantae, had seen the way he looked at her with love and adoration. It broke my heart to see her standing alone at his funeral, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

I felt a pang of guilt as I thought about our own relationship with Dantae. We had been so focused on our own drama and struggles that we had barely noticed his struggles. We should have been there for him more.

As we walked away from the cemetery, I reached out and took Shameka's hand. "We're here for you," I said softly. "We'll get through this together."

She nodded mechanically, but I could see the pain and anger in her eyes. She was angry with herself for not being able to save him, and she was angry with us for not being there for him when he needed us.

I knew it would take time for Shameka to heal, but I was determined to be there for her every step of the way.

**Jessica's POV**

I stood off to the side, trying not to draw attention to myself. I had never been close to Dantae, but I knew how much he meant to Shameka and Alexander.

As I watched Shameka struggle through the service, my mind wandered back to my own losses. I had lost loved ones before, but this one felt different. This one felt like a punch to the gut.

I glanced over at Alexander, who was standing nearby with a look of devastation on his face. He was broken by what had happened, and I knew it would take him a long time to heal.

As we left the cemetery, I felt a sense of unease settle over me. What would come next? How would we all move forward without Dantae?

**Alexander's POV**

I stood frozen in place as Shameka whispered Dantae's name one last time before they lowered him into the ground. It was like my own heart was being buried along with him.

I felt like I was numb, like nothing could penetrate the grief that had taken up residence inside me. But as we walked away from the cemetery, something inside me began to stir.

I glanced over at Shameka, who was walking numbly alongside us. She was lost in her own world of pain and guilt, and I knew it would take time for her to heal.

But as we walked, something occurred to me. We didn't have to face this alone. We had each other.

And maybe, just maybe, that would be enough to carry us through this dark time.

As we drove away from the cemetery, I reached out and took Shameka's hand. "We'll get through this," I said softly. "Together."

*To Be Continued...*