But now, even that light had been snuffed out by Max's own hands. My children. My babies, whom I'd nearly died bringing into this world. My daughters, whom I'd cherished for five years. Gone. Gone forever. From now on, my life held nothing but endless darkness and despair. Not a single ray of light remained.
Dawn was just breaking, the night not yet fully faded, the air carrying a bone-deep chill. The funeral home stood in solemn silence, the faint smell of disinfectant mingling with grief. The cremation chamber doors slowly closed, blocking my last glimpse of my children. I stood outside, my body rigid, like a statue stripped of its soul. My tears had long since run dry, leaving only the burning ache behind my eyes and the hollow void in my chest.
I don't know how much time passed before a staff member carefully placed two small urns in my hands, murmuring, "My condolences."