Trisha POV
I shouldn't have come.
But staying away felt worse.
So I stood far from everyone, half-hidden behind an old acacia tree at the edge of the cemetery. Its shadow wrapped around me like a secret. No one looked my way. No one expected the woman who caused this to be brave enough to watch it.
They were all there.
Hex.
Jay.
Keifer.
The Section E boys.
Angelo
So many faces. So much grief.
And Katherine… resting inside that coffin as if she might wake up and scold everyone for crying too much.
My throat burned.
The priest's voice floated over the crowd, steady and calm, speaking of her kindness, her patience, her strength. Every word pierced deeper. They were describing a woman I had begged for help… and then silenced.
When Hex stepped forward to say goodbye, my knees nearly gave out.
He looked broken.
Not angry.
Not shouting.
Just… broken.
That hurt more than anything.
They lowered her slowly into the ground. The ropes creaked softly. The sound will follow me for the rest of my life.
As the first shovel of soil fell, something inside my chest cracked open.
I pressed my trembling hands together and closed my eyes.
"Katherine…" I whispered under my breath. "Please forgive me."
The wind moved through the trees, brushing against my face like a quiet answer.
"I didn't mean it. I swear I didn't. I just wanted my son back. I was desperate. I was angry. I was stupid."
My voice shook.
"I never wanted to take you from him. I never wanted this."
Tears slid down my cheeks, but I didn't wipe them away. I didn't deserve comfort.
"If your spirit can hear me… please don't hate me. Please watch over Hex. Even if he never forgives me, just… protect him."
The crowd slowly began to leave. One by one, they walked away from the fresh soil, carrying their sorrow home.
I stayed a little longer.
Hidden.
Alone.
"Forgive me," I whispered one last time.
Then I turned and walked away before anyone could see the ghost standing among the living.
End of Chapter.