Several days had passed since their conversation. Now Ray and Deya stood at the grave of her friend.
"Charlotte would have been very happy to see you," Tracy said.
"I don't know how hard it is for you," Deya said, "but Charlotte believed you could handle it, and I believe it too."
"Thank you. You know, it's hard. I never believed in God, but if my girl really can watch me from heaven, I want her to see me strong. So I'm managing."
"Do you have time? How about coming over to my place?" Tracy asked.
"Of course, we'd love to," Ray replied. He understood this woman, having experienced the pain of losing children himself.
When they entered the house, Tracy said:
"Let me put the kettle on and show you Charlotte's room."
There were many drawings in the girl's room, but one in particular caught Deya's and Ray's attention. It depicted Deya in armor, facing a group of monsters, with a girl behind her who had long black hair and brown eyes. From her clothes, it was clear she was a healer.
"That's her last drawing," Tracy said, noticing their interest. "She always wanted to draw comics."
"I know I shouldn't hold on to the past," she admitted, "but I don't think I'll ever be able to change this room."
"Honestly, it's been years, and I still keep Lily's things. Many say it's better to get rid of things to make it easier to let go, but I don't think I can do that," Ray said.
"Saying is always easier than doing," Tracy replied.
That day, Ray and Deya spent time with Tracy. If the girl wanted to support her friend's mother, Ray wanted to support both of them — his sister, who had lost a close friend, and the woman who had lost a child. His life experience allowed him to understand them both.
On the way home, Deya said:
"Brother, you know Charlotte had a crush on you."
"This isn't the first young lady your brother has charmed. Lily once called me a 'loli conqueror,'" Ray said with a laugh.
"You know, when I was a bit older than you, I also worked in a place like that. I had a friend, and we were very open with each other."
"Back then, I told her things I couldn't tell Lily because I didn't want her to see me weak."
"So I can understand your feelings. When I saw how you handled her loss, part of me regretted that decision. It seemed like I had crossed a line."
"Brother, you have a very unique approach to teaching me about life," Deya smiled. "But if it weren't for you, I don't think we would have met. Yes, her loss hurt me, but I'm glad she came into my life."
"My little girl is a believer in pink love. Am I at risk of never seeing my nephews?" Ray remarked playfully.
"Old man, don't talk nonsense. If your stories are true, right now you look a lot like our mother," Deya joked.