Yet the gnawing uncertainty tugged at her. It had been too long since she'd last seen Theodore. Anxiety pooled within her like an unwelcome guest. Why hadn't he surfaced yet? When would he spring into action?

Could she bear to see the funeral rites concluded, to witness Theodore's existence being erased from the world?

Heavy-hearted, a crimson hue tinged Ariana's eyes.

Her fists clenched; she repeated a mantra to herself-wait, just a little longer. If she could endure, maybe he would appear.

As these thoughts danced in her mind, the priest switched on the microphone, a religious text cradled in his hand, and addressed the gathering with the opening Line of his eulogy.