The moment Danny's family approached,
bereft and aching,
Maya forced herself
to maintain her composure.
Danny’s mother,
a gentle woman with tear-stained cheeks,
clutched Maya’s hand.
“You were his light, you know?”
Her voice quivered
like a fragile gossamer thread.
“He loved you dearly.”
Maya felt the weight of the world
pressed against her chest.
All she could manage was
a nod and an assurance
that she would always keep his light
shining bright.