The rain poured down in sheets, against the glass windowpanes of the church.
It was only a few days since her mother's passing, but to Alice, it felt like an eternity since they were last together. As she walked into the church, she could see her aunt standing there with a warm smile on her face. They hugged each other tightly before going inside to take their seats on the pew.
The funeral service was a long and drawn-out affair, with various people standing beside Alice's aunt to offer their condolences and comfort. Yet somehow, it all felt like a blur to Alice. All she could think of was how her mother was never coming back. She would never see her mother's laugh or share another moment with her.
After what seemed like an eternity, it was time for the burial. As they followed the casket bearers to the cemetery, Alice was lost in her own world. All she could hear were the muffled voices of the mourners and the crunch of the gravel beneath their feet.
They finally reached the plot where Alice's mother would be laid to rest. Her aunt stepped forward, her voice trembling as she addressed the small crowd.
"Mary was a loving mother and a kind person. She will always be remembered for her warmth and kindness," her aunt sobbed. "And as for Alice, I promise to take care of her as if she were my own child. I will make sure she has everything she needs. And someday, I hope she finds a new family who will love and care for her as her mother did."
The service ended, and everyone else began to leave. Alice was still sitting in her seat, feeling lost and abandoned. She didn't know what to do or where to go. It was then that her aunt put her hand on her shoulder and led her out of the cemetery.
As they walked towards the car, Alice couldn't help but wonder what life would be like without her parents. Would she ever find a new family? Would she ever be happy again? She didn't know the answer to these questions, but she refused to give up hope. She would keep her mother's memory alive and honor her by being the best person she could be.
The sun had set by the time they arrived at her aunt's house, and the rain was still falling in sheets, pounding on the roof of the car. Alice felt exhausted after the long day and the emotional toll of the funeral, and she was grateful to be going to a place where she could rest. Her aunt had always been a source of comfort to her, and she hoped that spending time with her would help her heal.