He dipped his fingers into the bowl and sprinkled the scented water across the coffin.
"May the spirit release the burdens of pride and regret."
Emilia lowered her gaze slightly as she listened. Her hands were folded quietly in front of her. She did not cry nor did she tremble. But a faint sadness remained in her eyes.
Ruth stood beside her with a straight posture. His expression remained stern and composed, yet his breathing had slowed as if he was thinking about something deeper.
The coffin was slowly lowered into the grave. The ropes creaked as the weight descended.
No one spoke.
There was very little sadness in the air. More than sadness, there was regret.
Regret that perhaps things could have turned out differently.
Regret that perhaps someone could have changed the course of events before everything collapsed.
The priest finished the final words of the ritual.
"Let the earth return what was once borrowed."
