THE sky wore a veil of grey, the kind that echoed the weight of sorrow that clung to the air. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the trees surrounding the quiet cemetery on the edge of the city. The bells of St. Peter’s chapel rang out their slow, mournful chime, calling the mourners to gather. Today was the day they would bury Xaniyah’s parents, two souls who had departed far too soon.

Black umbrellas dotted the lawn, held against the soft drizzle that had begun to fall like tears ...