**Chapter 33: Farewell to Emma**

As Ashley stood up, Alev helped her steady herself, his eyes filled with compassion. The funeral director, a somber expression on his face, began to speak, his words dripping with sorrow. "It's time to say goodbye to Emma. The graveside service will be brief, but I know it will be a comfort to all of you." Ashley took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She glanced around at the sea of faces, all of whom had come to pay their respects to her daughter. She saw friends, family members, and even some acquaintances, all of whom had been touched by Emma's life. As the service began, Ashley felt a sense of detachment wash over her. She heard the words, the eulogies, and the prayers, but they seemed to be coming from a distance. She was numb, her heart heavy with grief. But then, something caught her attention. Alev began to speak, his voice trembling with emotion. "Emma was more than just a daughter to Ashley," he said. "She was a light, a spark that lit up the world. Her smile could brighten up a room, and her laughter was infectious. She had a heart of gold, and she touched so many lives." As Alev spoke, Ashley felt a lump form in her throat. She was overcome with emotion, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Emma had been an amazing person, and Alev had captured her essence perfectly. The service continued, with friends and family members sharing their own stories and memories of Emma. Ashley listened, her heart heavy with sorrow, but also with gratitude. She was grateful for the people in her life, who had come to support her in her time of need. As the service came to a close, Ashley felt a sense of finality wash over her. It was really over. Emma was gone, and she would never come back. The thought was almost too much to bear. But as she looked around at the people who had come to say goodbye, Ashley felt a sense of comfort. She knew that she wasn't alone, that she had people who cared about her, who would support her through the dark days ahead. The graveside was quiet, the only sound the soft sobbing of those who had come to mourn. Ashley stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the casket, as the funeral director began to lower it into the ground. She felt Alev's hand on her shoulder, and she knew that he was there for her. She took a deep breath, and as the casket disappeared from view, she whispered her final goodbye to Emma. "Goodbye, sweetie," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll always love you." As she turned to walk away, Ashley felt a sense of peace wash over her. It was a fragile peace, one that could be shattered at any moment, but it was enough to get her through the next few steps. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but with Alev by her side, she felt like she could face anything.