Mrs. Helen – Elena’s mother-in-law – was still proud: “Any family with a daughter-in-law like Lan is a great blessing.” But after just over a year, disaster struck.

That night, Elena had severe stomach pain, clutching her stomach and sobbing. By the time she was taken to the hospital, she was exhausted. Before the baby could cry out at birth, Elena passed out, never to wake up again.

The whole family was devastated. Mrs. Helen cried and fainted.

For illustrative purpose only
Mr. Louis – her husband – just sat silently, his eyes lifeless as he looked at his daughter-in-law’s portrait placed on the coffin lid. In the photo, Elena smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

When it was time to move the coffin, eight young men stepped forward, put their hands on both sides of the coffin, and prepared to carry