Dying Embers

The somber tones of the organ resonated through St. Mary's Church, shrouding the funeral of Ethan Fischer in melancholy. Amidst the empty pews, Rachel stood alone at the back, her heart aching with each mournful note. The silence beyond the music was deafening, bearing down on her like an oppressive weight.

"Goodbye, Ethan," she whispered, choking back tears as she remembered his piercing gaze and the sadness that seemed to cling to him like a shadow. His unrequited love for her was the reason she left, and now a searing pain threatens to consume her.

The priest began the eulogy, his voice barely audible above the organ's lament. "Ethan Fischer was a young man who lived a life filled with tragedy. We gather here today to honor his memory and to celebrate the light he brought into our lives."

Rachel's fingers clenched around the program, knuckles white as the torrent of emotions threatened to break free. She had never told Ethan how much he meant to her. Now, it was too late.