DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 9

Avery's POV

I stood among the sombre crowd, my heart weighed heavy with grief. The rain had ceased, leaving behind a cool, overcast day that seemed to echo the collective sorrow of all who had gathered to bid farewell to Maria. Dressed in muted tones of black and grey, we formed a circle around the simple casket, which held the body of the woman who had been a guiding light in my life.

The funeral took place in a serene cemetery with tall trees providing a canopy of shelter. The soft sound of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze seemed to whisper secrets of the past as if nature itself mourned the loss of a remarkable soul. The caretakers, children from the orphanage, and members of the orphanage community were all present, their faces etched with sadness and respect.

Maria's dedication to the orphanage was evident in the many children she had nurtured and cared for over the years. Among the attendees were kids of all ages, some with tears streaming down their faces, while others held back their emotions, trying to be strong for the sake of the group.

As the time came to bid our final farewell to Maria, a heavy silence enveloped the gathering. I stood before her casket, my heart pounding with a mixture of love, sorrow, and an overwhelming desire to hold on to her presence just a little longer. With trembling hands, I gently touched her face, as if trying to etch every detail into my memory.

My fingers traced the faint scars that marred her once radiant skin. I felt a mix of anger and sorrow welling up within me, as I realized that this remarkable woman, who had dedicated her life to caring for others, had met such a brutal and unjust end.

Maria's hands, once nurturing and comforting, now bore scars that told a story of struggle and pain. They were hands that had held mine during the darkest times, guiding me with unwavering strength and love. Seeing them now, wounded and lifeless, shattered my heart into pieces.

As my gaze lingered on her scars, my anger intensified. I felt a surge of emotions, a mix of helplessness and rage, like a storm raging within me.

The world felt unjust, cruel, and unfair, and I struggled to reconcile the image of Maria in her current state with the vibrant woman I had known. I wanted to scream, to demand answers, to bring her back, but all I could do was stand there, my heart heavy with grief and anger.

It was as if the scars on her face and hands were a reflection of the scars now etched into my soul. My mind struggled to make sense of the incomprehensible. How could someone so full of life and love be silenced so violently? The reality of her loss felt like a cruel nightmare that I couldn't wake up from.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find solace in the memories of Maria's infectious laughter and her warm embrace. But the image of her scars lingered, reminding me of the brutal truth that she was no longer with us.

At that moment, I made a silent promise to Maria and myself. I vowed to carry her memory with me, not just the joyful moments, but also the pain she had endured. I would honour her by seeking justice, by ensuring that her light continued to shine even in the darkest corners of the world.

Though my heart was heavy, I knew that I couldn't let anger consume me entirely. Maria had taught me the strength of forgiveness and compassion, and I would carry those lessons forward. But for now, in this moment of raw grief, I allowed myself to feel the depth of my emotions, knowing that it was okay to be angry, to be devastated, and to question the cruelty of life.

As I looked down at Maria's peaceful face once more, I realized that she had left an indelible mark on my life, one that no scars or physical absence could erase. The love and guidance she had bestowed upon me would live on, becoming a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of darkness.