As the casket lowers into the ground, I feel my stomach drop with it. My sister’s been dead for a week but seeing her put into the ground means that it’s real. I haven’t been dreaming.

I put my arm around you, exhaling slowly. She was your mom. I can’t imagine ever losing my mother. Of course, I never imagined losing my sister, either.

I have to search hard to find words. “She’s in a better place,” I murmur.