[107] b

Seira wiped away her tears. Her trembling hand held Olive's tiny arm. Olive's bewildered, confused, and uncomprehending eyes looked at her mother. Even though she asked questions, her mother responded with only a faint smile.

The Disaster Victim Identification team had identified Tedy's body. It was something Seira could hardly believe. She hadn't forgotten how she'd seen her husband off. But what puzzled her was that two coffins arrived simultaneously with a family she didn't recognize. Their faces resembled those in the vicinity of her home.

Her mother-in-law, who had been crying continuously, welcomed them with open arms.

"Who is it, Ma?" Seira still had questions.

Rita seemed to avoid her gaze, but one of their groups approached. She looked to be about the same age as her mother-in-law.

"I'm Novi. Marrisa's mother."

Seira observed carefully, also accepting the woman's handshake because she couldn't yet process what was happening.