The rain was falling steadily, soaking the ground and the mourners who gathered under black umbrellas.

They stood in silence, watching as the casket was lowered into the ground. The minister spoke words of comfort, but they were empty to Carmela.

She felt numb, as if she were watching this from a distance, like it was happening to someone else. But then, she looked down at the casket, and she knew it was real.

As the crowd began to disperse, Carmela stood alone by the grave, lost in her ...