Alani had lost it, but he understood that grief rode a fine line between crazy and sane. He sat her down in one of the white, wooden, folding chairs that was left over from the service and he removed his jacket and his diamond chains. Emotion cut at him, as he grabbed the shovel that sat propped in the pile of dirt. He was, literally, about to bury the little girl he had been responsible for killing, and it tore away at his conscience, as he began to scoop dirt onto the grave. His arms burned, as he grunted, while gritting his teeth. Every muscle in his body, bulging, as he filled the grave with dirt. Alani sat, watching, silent tears melting the makeup from her face, as she dug her nails into her knees. Hours passed, and Ethic was covered in sweat and filth by the time he finished. He bent down over the now smooth dirt and placed one hand on top of it.

“God bless her soul and have mercy on mine,” he whispered, so only he could hear. Alani stood, as he approached her.

“Can you hug me?” she choked out the words, her chest jerking, as her lip quivered uncontrollably. “Like you did the other day. Please,” she begged. He obliged. He wrapped her in his arms so tightly that she felt his heart racing as they stood chest to chest.

“I can’t say I’m sorry enough,” he whispered. The sorrow of this woman was beautiful. Witnessing her immense grief was like watching a tragic opera, wrenching his heart and captivating him, simultaneously.

“I can feel it, all over me when you hold me,” she whimpered. “Just don’t let go.”

Fuck, Ethic thought, as he rested his chin on the top of her head. Women like Alani were his weakness. Damaged, genuine, and beautiful...He didn’t know why he attracted the same type. Perhaps, because he had never successfully saved any of the ones he had lost. This woman’s chaos was caused by him, which meant he couldn’t have her, despite her need for him.

They broke their embrace when the sprinklers came on, soaking them with water. Alani squealed, as Ethic reached for his belongings and they made the trek across the grass to his truck.

When they were out of the spray zone, Alani asked, “How did you know I was here?”

“I was here visiting. I heard you crying. I couldn’t just leave you,” he answered.