After ritual - Part 9

I feel like death. 

My whole body ached, and to say that I was tired would be an understatement. It feels like all of my energy has been sucked dry out of me, leaving only my willpower to keep me going. 

Today has been harsh—too harsh—both for me and everyone else here in this village. But I think it was especially hard for Doris. Even when I'd only known her for less than a day, I knew that she must have been a sweet little soul who wanted nothing but happiness. Too bad someone else's greed took that away from her. 

When I heard her last words, I couldn't help but wonder how difficult it must have been for her to thank me for killing her. To her, death sounded like a better option than staying alive in this state—she was only five. Then, what about the others? Would they think the same?