Beside them stood Phil who was taller now, but still with the soft eyes of a boy.
He hugged his parents gently, trying to hold himself together.
But when he looked at the statue—
at the horns,
at the gentle smile,
at the stance that always made him laugh as a kid—
his chest crumbled.
He remembered her waking him for school.
He remembered her stealing his snacks because "grown girls need energy."
He remembered her chasing him around the backyard.
He remembered her strict scolding when he skipped class.
He remembered everything.
His breath trembled.
His fists tightened.
And before he realized it…
He was crying too.
But he held no hatred.
No resentment.
Because he knew—
deep in his bones—
that his sister would never want him to blame Gustav.
She died for the man she loved.
She died for a purpose.
She died so the universe could live.
Phil whispered to himself, "I hope you're smiling, sis…"
Then he wiped his tears and stood straighter.
