Peter sat in the dark. His knees bent to his chest. His head buried. Silent tears fell. He was alone. His father had been gone barely a week. The monks who were left were scattered. Now Ping Hai was gone as well. Everyone that he ever knew was gone. Even now he was forced to face the death of his mother when before it was easier to pretend she had simply left or lived elsewhere. In truth, even he knew she was never coming back. Alone, abandonded, betrayed, the words echoed in his mind. Could he ever forgive himself for surviving? Would he ever find that love of a family again? He did not know. All he knew was, for now, he was alone. Here in the dark, he let the tears fall.

End