Morning has come, but the house is quiet, heavy with unspoken grief. Eliza and the man are busy from the very beginning of the day, because today is someone's death anniversary.
"Eliza, are you ready to go to the church?" the man asks gently.
"Yes… here I am." Eliza steps out in a white dress. Her face is pale, her eyes dull.
"Okay, let's go."
They get into the car. The road is quiet, the air still. After half an hour, they arrive and step down. Inside the church, the sound of prayers fills the space. They kneel, whispering silently.
The man glances at Eliza. Tears are on her cheeks. He pulls her close, holding her tightly.
"He will always remain in our hearts," he murmurs.
"It wouldn't happen if I di... " the man begins, but Eliza interrupts him softly.
"Shh… don't blame yourself. We will be late. Shall we go now?" she forces a faint smile.
They walk to the orphanage next to the church. The man calls a committee member, and soon they begin distributing clothes and food. Laughter and excitement fill the room.
Eliza stands quietly at the back. She does not smile, does not move much. She just watches, carrying her own sorrow like a heavy cloak. The children's joy feels distant, almost unreal. Her eyes wander, lost in the silent ache inside her heart. No smile, no warmth... only the quiet pain of the one she has lost.
They return home, exhausted. After freshening up, Eliza sits silently on her bed. The man enters, concern in his eyes.
"You haven't eaten anything yet. Please, come with me."
"No… I am not feeling well," she murmurs.
"I know today was hard. But you must eat.
" Please, no…"
He places a finger on her lips." Shh… wait, I am coming."
Moments later, he returns with food and gently feeds her.
Night deepens. At 12:30, the man is asleep, but Eliza is still awake. She walks to the window and looks at the sky. Memories begin to rise in her mind.