Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 1

According to the rules, relatives were not allowed to view the process at crematorium.

Supported by the icy steel bed, Sylvia Lloyd paid her way into the crematorium's inner sanctum.

The air was tinged with the scent of burning, intermingled with the ash that danced in the sunlight. Perhaps it was someone's ashes. Soon, her precious daughter would become just that.

Sylvia was clad in a long black dress that barely covered her gaunt frame even in the smallest size, her eyes, swollen and red from crying, now held a serene calm.

She reached out to touch the cold, stiff hand that protruded from beneath the white shroud, and into her daughter's palm, she placed two pink paper stars.

"Wait for me, Stella."

Time seemed to stand still until a worker approached, pulling Sylvia away to reveal Stella's face under the shroud.

At eight years old, Stella was frail and thin, her ribcage starkly defined, with a noticeable dip at the bottom.

Sylvia's tears welled up again as she gazed at that dip. She had failed to protect Stella.

The worker, attempting consolation, softly said, "Sorry for your loss. At least your daughter's kidney saved another child, who will now live a happy life in her stead."

A cold flash passed through Sylvia's eyes, a bitter smile forming, "Yes, that child happens to be my husband's illegitimate son. Right now, they're celebrating his grand birthday party. Did you know? Today is also my daughter's birthday."

The worker was taken aback, unable to comfort the despairing woman before him.

Looking at Stella, Sylvia forced a pale smile, "Go ahead, let's not delay. I hope my daughter finds a better life next time."

With a sigh and a shake of his head, the worker prepared to move the body to the furnace, perhaps out of sympathy, shielding Sylvia from the process.

But Sylvia wasn't afraid; Stella was finally at peace, no longer despised by her own father.