NATALIE

My heart sinks. I lift my head and walk to Ryker with small steps. All eyes fall on me. To my surprise, they glance once and then lower their gazes in respect.

My heart beats in my stomach as I reach Ryker and he instantly curls his fingers around my hand, squeezing the coldness with his warmth.

My eyes fall to the graves, all in line, all open, all carrying a different casket with a different person but the feeling is the same for all of them.

They were not good people, not worthy of love but their death still saddens me.

Ryker takes a step forward and urges me to follow him. We both approach the first grave, Britney’s grave. He bends down and grabs a fistful of sand before dropping it over the half-sand-covered casket.

He straightens to his height afterward and looks at me, waiting for me to do the same.

Sighing, I do the same and we move on to Rhianna’s grave. Ryker’s grip tightens around my hand, carrying all the patience and endurance to me. I blink back the tea