"May she rest in peace."
I gazed at the freshly covered pile of soil, my eyes blurry with tears that are yet to fall.
I watched as people started to walk away, a light drizzle beginning to form. The rain didn't bother me at all. The sad tears of the sky helped me cope with the aching pain my heart was feeling.
I kneeled down to the grave, brushing my hand over the cool, damp soil. The distinct scent of rain filled my nostrils, making me feel slightly at peace.
I could hear Eren sobbing behind me, and the soft whimpers of Armin.
The tears stopped flowing, and all of a sudden, the harshness of reality brought me back to my senses.
She's gone.
She'll never come back.
There's no use if I stay here drenched in rain, crying my eyes out, begging her to come back.
It's over.
I slowly stood up, ignoring back the stabs of grief to my heart. I shook my head, fighting back the visions of my memory with her.
Rest in peace, Ms. Falida. Goodbye.
Despite the chains that tugged my feet to stay, I turned on my heels and walked away, my feet slightly sinking in the muddy soil.
I gave Armin a pat on his shoulder as I passed him. I headed towards a figure standing straight a few meters away, his suit pitch black.
Looking up, I stopped right in front of Mr. Hannes, who held the same expression as me.
Dark.
Expressionless.
"You okay kid?" He asked, his chest rumbling.
I stayed silent for a moment, bowing my head.
It's over
No going back.
I must live on.
No point in shedding more tears.
I have to let her go.
Live on.
Goodbye.
After a while, I gazed up once more, giving him a small nod. Mr. Hannes gave a small, sad smile. "When do you want to go back?"
I hesitated, and glanced back at Eren and Armin, who were still huddled by Ms. Falida's grave. I lowered my gaze, looking back.
"As much as I know how much it would tear them apart if we leave, I know it would be better if we can get them back as soon as possible."
I gently blinked the remains of my tears away. "Staying for any longer could make them severely attached to this place, and that could become a serious issue if we're trying to go back."
"I understand," Mr. Hannes murmured, nodding slowly.
"...I'd like to leave tonight."
Mr. Hannes nodded again. "Okay. But you should really talk to them before we make this final. You know how Eren is."
"I know, I will."
Mr. Hannes gave me one last pat before walking away, his back slouching.
Through the mist and rain, I realised there were still a few people who were still by the grave. Other than Armin and Eren, there was a tall man with a small child holding his hand.
I circled around my brothers and headed for the small child. As I neared, I realised his face looked all too familiar.
"Jeff?"
The brown haired boy turned around as I called out, his eyes widening as he recognized who I am. "(Y/N)!"
Jeff immediately let go of the man's hand and rushed over to me, tightly hugging my knees. I slightly stumbled back, only to lean forward and pull him into a hug.
I gazed at his teary golden eyes as he asked, "(Y/N).... why..... why did they put Ms. Falida i-into the ground?"
The man groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Jeff, I already told you, she's dead."
Jeff whimpered as the man said the word 'dead', and hugged me tighter.
I gently rested a hand on his back, glaring at the man.
"Hey," I scolded him. "He's just a child. Have some thought in your words."
Once again, he ruffled his hair. "I know... I know. He's just been pestering me with the same question over and over..... It's just annoying me at this point."
My eyes narrowed. "Who are you anyway? Are you Jeff's father?"
The man's eyes widened in surprise and he quickly shook his head. "No no, I'm his father's... acquaintance, I suppose."
"How come you're the one accompanying Jeff here? What about his parents? Why aren't they here?"
The man groaned at the questions I shot, rubbing his face. "His dad is overseas on a business trip. His mom is working, and I found the kid skipping school and running down the street. So, I picked him up, and.. here we are."
"Is that... Eren and Armin?" Jeff whispered, his eyes locked on the two figures huddled on the other side of the grave, mist clouding their face.
I nodded. "Yes, that's them. Go and say hi, Jeff. I'm sure they've missed you."
Jeff let go of me and rushed over to his brothers, jumping for a hug.
As I expected, Eren and Armin welcomed their younger brother warmly, bringing him into a tight hug.
I smiled as I gazed at the three boys huddled together, taking comfort in each other's presence to help their grief.
"Who are they? Actually, who are you?" The man asked, his voice taking a confusing tone.
"We're his family," I replied simply, earning a confused gaze from him.
I sighed, turning back to the man. "Do you know that Jeff was adopted by his current parents?"
He nodded. "Of course."
"And do you know who was the person that was buried today?" I continued.
He nodded again. "A woman who goes by the name of Falida. Who is she, by the way?"
I turned back to the grave, staring at the name carved on the ceramic. "She was the founder and caretaker of the orphanage we were all in. Ms. Falida... was like a mother for all of us."
The man's mouth formed an 'o' as he finally understood the reason behind all this. "I see."
"That's why Jeff was so desperate to attend the burial."
The man nodded in understanding, gazing at Jeff who was still with Eren and Armin. "Sorry about before. I've never really been good with kids."
I simply gave a half-smile and nodded, turning back to see Jeff running back to me. He briefly hugged me, before going back to the man.
"Bye (Y/N). I have to go now. Mommy will be waiting for me," he said, waving goodbye.
"Your mother's going to kill me," the man added with a cough, taking Jeff's hand.
Jeff giggled, even though his eyes still didn't have it's usual glimmer.
He must be trying to let go. Just like... me.
"Mommy isn't going to kill you uncky!"
"Uncky?" I repeated, my voice laced with confusion and amusement.
"He's trying to say uncle. But it's still weird, since I'm nowhere near with being his uncle, but whatever. Kids."
I let out a small chuckle, bringing my hand to my lips to cover it. Suddenly, I remembered something.
"I forgot to ask. My name's (Y/N). What's yours?'
I held out my hand, politely offering a handshake.
The man stared at my hand, before taking it and giving it one, firm shake.
"Kenny."