Chapter 195

195 HIS FUNERAL 195: HIS FUNERAL LUKE’S POV Burning in intense rage, I pushed Harriet away from me hard. “Let go of me, Harriet!” I yelled, my anger boiling over. She stumbled and fell to the ground, her smirk finally fading.

“You can’t do this to me, Luke. You can’t just leave me like this! I’m not going to let you.”

“I can do whatever I want, Harriet. And right now, I want to find Ariel and make sure she’s safe.”

“She doesn’t deserve you, Luke. She never did,” Harriet spat. “I’m the one for you. You are meant for 1. me. We are meant for each other.”

“That’s not for you to decide. Now tell me, where is she?”

“I don’t know. But even if I did, I wouldn’t say a damn thing.”

“You better tell me now, Harriet. I know how brutal and crazy you can be.”

“You don’t know me at all, Luke. You never did,” she hissed, standing up and brushing herself off.

“I know enough to know that you’re capable of anything,” I retorted, my fists clenched at my sides.

“You know what? Fine. To find your precious Ariel. But don’t come crying to me when she breaks your heart again,” Harriet sneered.”

“And who told you she broke my heart, huh?”

“Oh, please, Luke. If you’re going to start telling me lies, save those sh*t for someone else,” she spat before marching off.

I watched her go, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. I needed to find Ariel fast. But where could she be? My mind was still telling me that Harriet had something to do with this.

Oh, Ariel, how am I going to see you now? Where am I going to search? I’ve gone through so many places, and I haven’t yet seen you. What will I do about this? Where are you?”

THREE DAYS LATER The somber clouds hung low in the sky as I made my way to the small, quaint cemetery on the outskirts of town. I adjusted my tie nervously, feeling the weight of the occasion pressing down on 1. me. Today, I was attending the funeral of Luke. The tragedy of a young life cut short weighed heavily on everyone who knew his family. Yes, his family, not mine. I didn’t even know that he was my son.

As I approached the gathering, I could hear the soft murmurs of the mourners and the sniffles of those trying to hold back tears. The air was heavy with grief, and the atmosphere was suffused with a sense of profound loss. I scanned the crowd, recognizing familiar faces twisted in sorrow, their eyes red–rimmed and faces drawn.

I saw Andre’s parents, Manuel and Elizabeth, standing at the front, their faces etched with pain as 195 HIS FUNERAL they greeted the guests. My heart ached for them, knowing the unimaginable grief they must be feeling.

I made my way towards them, offering a silent prayer for strength and comfort. And I still needed some for myself. But they needed it the most since they were the ones who spent years with him. The ones who watched him grew. But I was the one who witnessed him die.

The ceremony began with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, carrying the scent of freshly turned earth. The minister’s voice was a soothing murmur as he spoke of life’s fleeting nature and the precious gift of each moment. I listened, my thoughts drifting to the time I first met Lukel, a bright- eyed, energetic child. I could tell when I saw him at that moment.

Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice trembling as she spoke of Lukel–his infectious smile, his boundless energy, the joy he brought to their lives. Tears streamed down her face, and Manuel reached out to steady her, his own grief palpable in every line of his face.

So, as the service continued, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, anger, and disbelief. How could a child so young be taken away? Why do such tragedies happen in the world? The questions swirled in my mind, unanswered and unanswerable.

The sound of a lone violin filled the air, its mournful melody weaving through the crowd. I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me, a balm for my aching soul. I thought of Luke, of the moments we would never share, of the milestones he would never reach.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a golden light over the cemetery. I felt a sense of peace settle over me, a quiet acceptance of the cycle of life and death. I looked around at the faces of the other mourners, seeing our shared grief and our shared humanity..

After the final words were spoken, the crowd began to disperse, offering their condolences to the grieving parents. I approached Elizabeth and Manuel, my heart heavy with sorrow. I took their hands in mine, offering a silent gesture of support and love.

“I’m so sorry for what happened.”

Elizabeth looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Luke. Thank you for being here. But we’re the ones who should be saying sorry.”

“And why do you say that?” Manuel asked her.

“Because he’s their father. He’s the father of Lukel and Janice,” she answered him softly.

“Really?” Manuel’s face changed as he glanced at me. “Is what she’s saying true? Are you the father of Ariel’s children?”

I let out a deep sigh. “Yes, I am the father.”

“Wow,” Manuel said under his breath. “How come I never knew about it? Ariel never told me. And speaking of Ariel, where is she? I haven’t seen her in the past two days. Is she with you, Luke?”

“If she was with me, she’d come to this funeral. But since she’s not here, I think you already have an answer to your question.”

“She’s been missing, and I’ve been really worried about her,” Elizabeth entered, her tone low and 195: HIS FUNERAL broken.

“Then why haven’t you informed the police about it?” Manuel asked her.

“I don’t know; I’ve just been broken, thinking a lot, finding out about the death of Lukel.”

Andre approached the three of us. “Mom, Dad, you have some people who want to speak with you.”

“Okay, we’ll talk later, Luke,” Manuel said.

“Okay, take care,” I uttered lowly, nodding, and they both walked away.

“So, how’s the search for Ariel’s sister going?” Andre asked.

“Bad, I haven’t yet found her.”

“Yeah, I noticed that. And I’ve also informed the cops about it. They’re carrying out the search, and we’re hoping to find Ariel anytime soon.”

“I don’t even know what to do. She’s gone, and I’m afraid she might be dead.”

Andre gave me a look like I was insane. “Don’t say that. Ariel can’t be dead.”

“Then where is she?”

“I don’t know, but she isn’t dead.”

“I hope so,” I said inaudibly.

“Lukel’s gone, and we can’t even see Janice anywhere. Things have really gotten out of hand,” André said.

“If I ever get the chance to meet my daughter again, I’m going to make her feel like a princess. Same thing for Ariel.”

“You don’t have to worry, Luke. God’s on our side; we will find Ariel and Janice. Don’t lose hope.”

I nodded. “Thanks for everything.”

“Ariel’s family to me. I never want to see her hurt in any way.