Grief Like Fear

Cemetery
Wizarding Village
Russia


"I don't know what to do," the boy murmured. Pale fingers traced the letters engraved in the lifeless marble.

A-N-A-

Tears glistened in blue eyes but did not fall. A lump formed in the teen's throat. "It's just me."

S-T-A-

"Isn't it supposed to get better?" The words were spoken in a thick whisper. "Doesn't time heal all wounds?"

S-I-A

A humorless, bitter laugh echoed through the graveyard, awful to hear. "Why would people lie about something like that?"

Z-L-O-

"It doesn't get better at all." The tone was hurt, indignant.

B-I-N

A shuddering breath was drawn through trembling lips. "O-only worse." Hand falling to his side, the boy began to cry, sinking forward until his forehead rested against the unfeeling stone. "I miss you, Ana. I miss aunt and uncle. I miss you so much, it scares me.

"I don't know what to do. I don't know anything, anymore."

Ana's headstone yielded no comfort.