Iyisha was only able to leave after midnight.
The community was still awake, lights glowing behind windows, low voices carrying through the cold air as if sleep had become something distant and unfamiliar. People sat on steps and doorways, wrapped in blankets, staring into nothing, replaying the day over and over because closing their eyes felt too dangerous.
No one slept.
Iyisha walked slowly, every part of her aching, bone tired in a way that sank deeper than muscle. Mary walked beside her, silent, her steps steady but hollow, as if words no longer served any purpose. Ester had gone home earlier, guided away when her sobs turned weak and hoarse.
The bodies were already buried.
There had been no time. No pauses. No space to fall apart properly. Graves were dug while the hospital was still overflowing, while blood was still being scrubbed from floors that would never look clean again.
Lando was buried with the others.
