The cemetery lay in silence beneath a shroud of dusk, tombstones emerging as shadows in the darkness, marking the eternal rest of those who had departed. The rain, light yet persistent, whispered a faint lament over the graves, adding a melancholic layer to the scene.
Among the marble and granite monuments, figures dressed in black moved solemnly. Their umbrellas, like dancing shadows, stood as silent witnesses to the sorrow enveloping the place. The dark attire seemed to blend with the gray surroundings, reflecting the sadness permeating the air.
Walking with measured steps, the cemetery visitors wandered through the alleys of tombs. Raindrops settled on withered flowers, like tears caressing the tombstones in a gesture of sympathy. The silence, broken only by the rustle of tree leaves and the murmur of rain, created a somber and solemn atmosphere.
Funerary statues, covered in the dew of the rain, appeared to gaze with sorrow at those who wandered among them. Candles flickered weakly, casting ephemeral flashes of light amidst the darkness. Every step resonated like a bow, a tribute to the memory of those resting in this melancholic graveyard.
But in a special place, there were more than ten graves where coffins were silently ready to be buried, but many were waiting in silence for the ceremony. Anton, dressed in a priestly suit, stood in front of all the tombstones holding a plant rosary, acting as a true priest would.
"Here we are..." Anton looked around, realizing no one else would come, so he prepared to conduct the ceremony. As each religion bids farewell to its deceased based on its beliefs and traditions, the Catholic faith has a particular ritual of preparation for death carried out when it is believed to be the moments before the death of the sick believer. It is the Anointing of the Sick or the Recommendation of the Soul, a blessing with which the priest confesses the person and presents them to God for acceptance. In these cases, communion acts as nourishment for the journey undertaken.
All those who had fallen in battle were Catholics; they believed in God in a certain way, and that was something everyone respected when this information was read in the black box of those who died in battle. When a person dies, they begin their journey to eternity, or, as it is commonly said, to heaven. Catholics believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life, that death separates the soul from the body for the encounter with God. In general, all the rituals of the Catholic Church seek to bid farewell to a loved one and entrust their care to God.
Anton, who would lead the ceremony, looked at all the exorcist priests, agents, and companions of those who died a few days ago.
"We are here again to bid farewell to someone more than a friend; we will give the last goodbye to those who have been with us for a long time." Anton walked back and forth, looking at each coffin with sorrow in his gaze.
"Yes, I am here just like you. Today, we gather with heavy hearts and souls deeply touched by the loss of those brave companions who, with devotion and sacrifice, have fulfilled their duty as agents of the Light Association." Anton looked at everyone and said, "In this sacred duty, they, a beacon of light in our community, went directly to confront evil without fear in their eyes. Therefore, I ask you to remember those who, in their noble work, gave their lives to protect us from the shadows lurking in the darkness."
"The duty they performed goes beyond our words; it is a flame that burns in the heart of every blinder. Today, in this moment of farewell, we honor their sacrifice by recognizing the vital importance of their task. They have been tireless guardians, facing evil with unwavering determination."
"We cannot let their sacrifices be in vain. We commit, here and now, to carry on with the duty they have left us as a legacy. As a single organization, we will continue to be the guardians of the light, fighting against the shadows that threaten our peace and security."
Anton gathered courage and said, "In the darkness of loss, we find strength in unity. For every blind person who is no longer physically among us, their spirit endures in our shared determination. We do not mourn alone for the loss, but we rise together to ensure that their sacrifice becomes an eternal beacon guiding our steps."
"Brothers and sisters, let us remember these brave blinders not only with tears but also with a renewed commitment. May their names shine in our memory, inspiring us to face evil with courage and to illuminate dark corners with the light of justice."
"May the flame that burned in the hearts of our fallen comrades continue to ignite us all, so that we may follow their example and fulfill the sacred duty that unites us as protectors of the light."
"In their memory, we move forward, strengthened by the legacy they left us, with the conviction that no evil can extinguish the light we carry within."
"May peace and strength guide our paths as we continue this noble task in honor of those who are no longer with us, amen." Anton said, looking at everyone with determined gazes.
In this corner of sorrow, the cemetery became a tangible reflection of life's transience. However, everyone here knew that life for them was very fragile.
A few months later.
"Priest Anton, are you sure about giving me so much money?"
Anton looked at the child and said, "For your buttered chicken, don't forget to sweep the church entrance very well."
"Of course not; I'll do a good job."
Watching the child run off, Anton smiled slightly, and after a busy morning, he walked towards the exit to return home.