He was in so much tears at this moment. Alyssa tightened her grip on his hands. She attempted to console him even as her own tears streamed down uncontrollably.

"Her desire was always to be cremated, to have a swift process that would not prolong the grief for her loved ones. I coordinated it with her family's approval, and she was cremated the following day. I was unable to attend; I refrained from going because I realized I would end up sacrificing myself alongside her, and I simply ...