14. BECOMING A RAVIJ

THE VIBRANT SUNRAYS adorned the sky as we gathered at the cemetery. I didn’t know who are the people that came along with us. Only I saw Callan’s parents stepping out of their car and the others followed. More than 10 bodyguards positioned themselves behind us while Callan stood beside me waiting for the couple to approach the small tent that was set up for a short ceremony.

“We are with you in grieving this loss, dear.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” I mumbled as I got up to my seat. The gentle elderly woman leaned in to kiss my cheek. There were a few people that came with them and they all greeted Callan and shook hands. Four men also walked towards the tent. The two were hiding an unlit cigarette between their lips.

“You are the daughter…” A sweet lady around the same age as my mother went near me and hugged me. “I’m your mother’s friend from the southern town, Yna.”

I didn’t know what to say. My mother’s friend in the southern part of town? My parents didn’t mention anything.

My parents di