"Big sis, they''ll be watching over you from heaven."


    ra knew the Pocks'' kindness towards her was partly out of guilt. On one hand, they felt that Jacob wasn''t reliable, and his rtionship with Lavinia didn''t offer ra the warmth of a real family. So, the elderly couple went out of their way to make her feel joy. But it was also because they loved her. Their love made them feel they owed her so much. Just like how the Schnabels always felt they hadn''t done enough for Noe, always thinking they could''ve provided a better life for her. The Pock grandparents gave ra an extraordinary sense of warmth.


    Noe patted ra''s back. The Sextons and the matriarch were also very kind to Noe. Always smiling at her, even the usually sharp-tongued Helen had earnestly advised her to make sure she truly loved Palmer before marrying him. They were unlike Marcel, Harriet, or the Horwich grandparents. Noe felt a bit guilty. If only she had noticed Helen''s intentions sooner, maybe this tragedy could have been averted!


    Father Horatio approached them, his gaze lingering on the continuously weeping ra. He softly said, "I will pray for their souls, Noe, don''t worry."


    "Did Grandma Helen tell you anything before?" Father Horatio shook his head. "She only showed me the single grave she had chosen for Sexton,menting on the spot''s good energy, ensuring Sexton would rest peacefully." It was because she had chosen a single grave that Horatio hadn''t thought much of it! Given that Helen and Sexton didn''t seem very close, Horatio hadn''t expected Helen to follow him in death!


    "Come to think of it, she quite liked that ce... Now I realize she chose it for herself too." Helen had once said she wanted to be buried alongside her husband! Noe nodded. "I understand, Father. I''m going to check on Palmer. Please take care of my sister for me."Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Father Horatio instinctively wanted to refuse, but as he looked up and saw ra''s tear-stained eyes, he swallowed his words. "Alright, I understand." Approaching Palmer, who was discussing funeral arrangements with the Pock family, Noe stood on the outskirts of the crowd, observing the man who stood at the center like a star among pls. Palmer was dressed in a ck suit, his face etched with unmistakable fatigue and solemnity. Noe stepped forward. "Palmer, you should take a break."


    "Not just yet." Megan had copsed emotionally, her husband and children gathered around her, caring for her. Half an hour ago, after crying herself into shock, Noe had administered a shot, and Megan had gone up to rest. Jacob was notifying distant rtives of the Pock family, but it was clear he was also not in great spirits. All these responsibilities seemed to fall on Palmer alone!


    Having just lost his beloved rtives, the impact on Palmer was immense, yet he had to muster all his strength to manage everything, keeping his emotions hidden! ra could weep openly, but Palmer couldn''t. Noe felt a pang of sympathy. "Then I''ll stay by your side."


    Palmer held Noe''s hand and nodded, "Thank you, Noe. Don''t worry, I won''t overdo it."


    "Mhm."


    The Pock family tradition was burial. Only when Palmer inquired did he learn that Helen had already arranged everything for the funeral! She had even personally selected the caskets, knowing which ones would be morefortable underground! Reflecting on Helen''s activities in the days before her death, it became clear she had been preparing for her and Sexton''s final arrangements...


    ra''s heart ached. "Father Horatio, can you imagine how heartbroken grandma must have been? Choosing her own casket, it''s unimaginable..."


    Father Horatio chanted a prayer. Calmly, he said, "Helen was a very intelligent woman. Even if you had noticed her intentions, you couldn''t have stopped her."


    "In fact, my master once told me he had hoped Helen and Sexton wouldn''t marry."


    "Because it seemed Helen gave more in the rtionship. But Helen said she wouldn''t choose wrong." Helen was fiercely independent and headstrong in everything she did! Whether it was learning to dive into graves, embarking on a career in showbiz, or marrying Sexton, it was all Helen''s choice!


    "Father, I think Helen made the right


    bet." Sexton''s will not only


    distributed his assets but also


    included many instructions for his children to take good care of Helen! It''s just that he never imagined his wife, whom he never verbally dered his love for, would choose to follow him in death!


    ra wiped away her tears. "Grandpa once told me, even though grandma was difficult at times, he


    always adored her. The Pock men don''t marry women they don''t love."


    "It''s a relief grandma knew that in the end." What was thought to be justpanionship turned out to be profound love!


    ra sniffled. "Father, may I lean on your shoulder for a moment?"


    "Of course."


    Leaning on Father Horatio''s


    shoulder, ra took several deep breaths to settle her emotions. After a while, she stood up and patted her face. "Grandpa and grandma wouldn''t want to see me like this. I should send them off happily! Father, grandma mentioned you n to travel the world. When are you leaving?"


    "After handling Helen and Sexton''s funeral and wrapping up some matters here in the city, I''ll be on my way."


    "Will youe back?"


    Father Horatio shook his head then nodded, his tone serene, "If someone needs me, I will return."


    "Yeah, with your skills, I bet half of the city would line up at your doorstep. And if Noe needed you, you''d be on the first flight back."


    Horatio spoke slowly, "Noe doesn''t need a monk like me."


    "Her spirit is strong. She only asked for my presence tofort those who''ve passed."


    "Not everyone needs what I can offer."


    After all, the world is full of skeptics, and Horatio''s influence can seem quite limited. A thought suddenly struck ra. "What if I needed you?" Horatio looked down with a slight smile, dimples ying hide and seek on his pale face, the soft blush around his eyes and forehead adding a touch of gentleness. He shook his head. "You wouldn''t need someone like me. And I hope you never find yourself in a situation where you would."


    "Meaning, you wouldn''te." His words hung in the air, unsaid but clear!


    ra blinked, feeling unexpectedly empty, unable to pinpoint exactly what she was feeling. She nced at the funeral parlor being set up and Horatio, who was now getting up to join his disciples for the prayer service.


    "Weird, why do I feel off about him saying that? Must be because the Pocks are gone. I''m just too sad!"