Chapter 114

• Nikolai
• I stand at the front of the crowded church, my eyes fixed on the polished wooden casket before me. The soft glow of candlelight casts a sombre ambience, and the sweet scent of flowers wafts through the air. The mourners are seated, their faces etched with grief and sadness.
• The church is packed, with every pew filled. The soft murmur of whispered conversations and the occasional sniffle are the only sounds that break the silence. I recognize many of the faces, some of whom I've known for years, while others are strangers who've come to pay their respects.