Chapter 252

Sebastian held the wooden box in his hands, and it was as if every ounce of strength drained out of him. His legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees on the deck. He lowered his head, and his back was stiff. Valeria couldn't see his face, only his trembling shoulders. Sebastian was in so much pain that he couldn't say a word, his vision already blurred. He looked at the wooden box in his arms, his fingers trembling as he touched it. Inside were his son's ashes. On the way up the mountain, he had asked her once what they were here for. When Valeria came out holding the wooden box, his chest tightened sharply. He had carefully asked her what was inside. In that moment, it was as if Sebastian felt something deep inside him stir. Then, the grief hit, crashing over him so hard he could barely breathe. He stared at the box in his arms, his face expressionless, and his body stiffened. His breathing grew difficult, and the ocean breeze stung his face as tears ran uncontrollably dow