Ana froze. The church seemed to exhale in unison as the little girl continued, speaking words too knowing for her age—words of light, warmth, and love. The moment cracked something open in Ana. When Sofia murmured, “He’s behind me. He’s holding my hand,” Ana turned, saw nothing, yet felt everything: the brush of fingers she’d known for years, the impossible presence of Rareș at her side.
The cold that had gripped her chest since the accident softened. Not in disbelief—but in recognition. Tears came, not of despair, but release. Around them, the mourners watched in stunned silence as Ana embraced her daughter with new breath, new hope. Because in that moment—just for a moment—grief stepped aside, and love, unbroken by death, made itself known.