My Only Secret

Chapter 38

The sun had set over the city, casting a warm orange glow over the open space where the candle lighting ceremony was taking place. The air was heavy with the scent of wax and smoke as hundreds of candles flickered to life, illuminating the faces of the mourners gathered around the massive cement wall.

The walls stretched up to the sky, its surface etched with the names of the victims of the bombing incident that had shaken the nation. The names seemed to stretch on forever, a seemingly endless list of loved ones lost, each one a reminder of the devastating loss.

Ravens stood at the front of the gathering with his parents, their eyes fixed on the wall as they joined in the ceremony. They were surrounded by family members, friends, and strangers, all united in their grief and their determination to remember.

May isang pastor na lumapit sa harap, sa gitna ng maliit na oval para ipagdasal ang mga taong nagdudurusa.

"Dear God," he began, his voice low and sincere. "We come to you today with heavy hearts, burdened by the pain and suffering of our people. We ask that you watch over those who have been injured, that you heal their bodies and comfort their souls."

He paused, taking a deep breath as he struggled to find the right words.

"We ask that you guide us in our efforts to bring justice to those responsible for this atrocity. We seek your wisdom and your strength as we work to rebuild and restore our communities."

The preacher's voice cracked as he spoke of the loved ones who had been lost. "We remember those who have gone before us, who have left behind families and friends who are now left to grieve. We pray that you bring them peace and comfort in their time of need."

He opened his eyes, looking up to the sky. "We ask that you give us the courage and the resilience to face the challenges ahead. We know that we will face difficult days ahead, but we trust in your guidance and your protection.
We pray for our troops, who are working tirelessly to keep our country safe. We thank you for their bravery and selflessness, and we ask that you keep them safe as they serve our nation. And finally, we pray for ourselves, dear God. We pray that we may be a people of compassion, of kindness, and of hope. Amen."

Pagkatapos no'n ay mas lalong lumakas ang iyak ng mga tao. Even Raven can feel his eyes water at the sight of those mourning and longing for their dead loved ones.

Hinanap ng mga mata niya si Hunt sa gitna ng napakaraming tao at nagtama ang kanilang mga mata. Hunt was with his team on the other side of the area. He wore a tailored suit with a bulletproof vest underneath, his earpiece firmly in place.

Kitang-kita ni Hunt kung paano tumulo ang isang butil ng luha sa mata ni Raven na madali nitong pinunasan bago umiwas ng tingin.

Raven saw Hunt say something on his earpiece before walking towards his direction. They didn't break eye contact until Hunt reached his position.

Binati muna ni Hunt ang presidente at ang asawa nito. They gave him a small pat in the shoulder before he proceeded towards Raven.

"Here," inabutan niya ito ng puting panyo. "Don't hold the tears back. Let it out."

Tinanggap ito ni Raven sabay bahagyang ngumiti sa kanya. "You look like a real bodyguard now."

"I wasn't before?"

"Medyo lang." Raven shrugged.

Hunt eyed him up and down, taking in his newly tailored outfit intended for this occasion.

"You look...dope. Fire as always." He made the compliment he gave like he was just appreciating a bro. Pero ang gusto niya talagang gawin ay tawagin itong gwapo at hilain sa isang mahigpit na yakap.