Stella's smile wavered, a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow painting her features as she watched Daisha's retreating figure.

The setting sun cast long shadows across the gravel path, highlighting the slight slump of Daisha's shoulders.

"I hope you find peace there!" Stella whispered, her voice barely audible above the chirping crickets.

Only when Daisha's form was swallowed by the gathering dusk did Stella turn, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek. The weight of unspoken words ...