Aurelia brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, "I was just asking, no big deal. As long as the issue's settled, that doesn’t matter. I'm taking off now."
She was holding back a storm inside her, but she said nothing and turned to leave.
The next day, she called up Jelena to join her at Grace Lutheran Chapel, where they had the pastor conduct a special memorial service for Joyce, to bring her peace.
Jelena said, "They caught the grave desecrator, some two-bit street magician claiming he was hired to perform a ritual, but he doesn't know who really put him up to it. I can't think of who would stoop so low to not even let the dead rest in peace."
Aurelia knew who it was but kept it to herself. She was going to make Sheryl pay, to get justice for Chloe.
"This Saturday is the family meeting of the Stirling family."
Jelena patted her shoulder, "Don't stress. Whatever you decide, it won't change anything between us."
That night, Aurelia sat by the window, staring out into the dark night.
Winter had arrived, a light drizzle fell, and the wind carried a hint of frost.
Leopold came in and draped a blanket over her shoulders, "Aren't you cold?"
"I'm repenting," she murmured softly.
Leopold was taken aback, "What do you have to repent for?"
"Joyce's grave was desecrated, her headstone splashed with black paint, her ashes dug up and scattered in the filthy underbrush. I watched the White family pick them up, bit by bit, trying to gather her back together, and my heart bled. This is my fault. I caused this.
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