I can't do this. He was my best friend, the first I made since I was a child. I can't speak . . . I find it hard enough to think. Even for his sake . . .
" . . . Rowen Hashiba."
They're all looking at me, waiting. I have a hard enough time with public speaking, and now . . . Ryo, why!? Why did you have to die?
"Ryo Sanada . . . "
Was that me? Gods, I sound like I haven't spoken in days! Ryo! I can't do this!
"Ahem. Ryo Sanada was a strong and brave man . . . "
'Strong' and 'brave' barely begin to cover it. Ryo you were always the one to go first, selflessly sacrificing yourself time and again.
" . . . loyal to his friends . . . "
Who could ask for a better friend? Always there for whomever needed you, always ready to lend a hand.
" . . . and kind and gentle."
You were always the one who dealt best with Ulley. He worshipped you. You spent all that time with him, playing games, helping him with his homework, never getting angry at him. Even Miya got angry at him at times, but never you.
"I was proud to call him 'friend.'"
Proud? I was . . . I was honored. And 'friend'? No. More like 'brother.'
"We are blessed to have known him."
Rowen fell silent, his head bowed, gripping the edge of the podium until his knuckles turned white. Tears streamed freely down his face. The audience before him was just as moved.
The minister cleared his throat. "Thank you, Mr. Hashiba. We will now adjourn to the cemetery for the burial." The organ began to play a solemn hymn, and Rowen, Sage, Cye, and Kento carried the casket out to the hearse. Miya, clutching tightly at Ulley's hand and dressed all in black, followed slowly.
She made it into the car before she broke down completely. Sage put his arms around her and cradled her against his chest as she cried. Kento stared out the window, and Rowen closed his eyes tightly. Cye sat with tears streaming freely down his face, and Ulley had a confused and wounded look in his eyes. He stared all around.
"Will you be all right now, Miya?" Sage asked after a long moment. Miya raised her head and sniffed, wiping at her tears. She nodded.
"I . . . I think so," she said softly.