When my son and daughter were pushed into the cremation room, tears streamed down my face, but I kept biting my lips tightly without making any sound.
Madison looked at me with worry on her face.
"Serena, if you feel uncomfortable, cry out. It's okay."
I shook my head without making a sound.
Leander stomped the cane in his hand, making a loud bang sound.
"What about that troublemaker! Where would he, a father, go on such a day today?"
There was a flash of anger in Madison's eyes, then she glanced at me guiltily and finally spoke in a low voice.
"I called Caesario, but his phone is turned off."
When the staff came out carrying two urns of ashes, the old man tried to take them with trembling hands.
I took the lead in holding the urns in my arms, my eyes empty as I spoke.
"Leave it to me, they are my children."
Leander wanted to say something, but I fell to my knees in front of him.
"Grandpa, your kindness to me is greater than a mount, but they are my own son and daughter, I beg you ...."
When I said this, my throat felt a little tight, but I still held back my sobs and spoke softly.