Ashleigh turned and pulled her pack forward. She opened it, removed the journal from within, and offered it to her brother.
“This also belonged to him,” she said, lowering her gaze. “He kept a very detailed account, almost until the end.”
Axel swallowed and took the journal.
“Ashleigh…” he whispered. “Did you find what you needed?”
Ashleigh swallowed and looked toward the ground.
“I did find him…” she said. “But I was too late.”
She took a breath.
“I built his pyre and stood witness,” she continued softly. “The rock… he requested that it be placed for him.”
Axel looked down at the small stone in his hand. He squeezed it and nodded.
“His family has already placed one,” he said. “But I will personally place this stone for him.”
Ashleigh nodded and looked down.
Axel turned toward Alice, who already had her hands out to him. He smiled briefly and placed the journal and stone into her hands. He turned back to his sister.
