'We meet here today to honour the life of Mae Jiae. We give thanks for her life and ask God to bless her now that their time in this world has come to an end. Every one of us here has been affected - perhaps in small ways, or perhaps in transformative ones- by Mae Jiae. Her life mattered to us all. Together, let us open our hearts and commemorate the impact Mae Jiae had on us.'

The soft rays of light shone through the coloured glass of the church. I stood by the entrance, hands kept in front of me. I watched as the priest started the commemoration. People were dressed in black clothes, all their faces with puffy red eyes. I averted my eyes to Aera, she sobbed loudly into her hands. I silently grieved and waited for the start of the funeral service.

'I would now like to invite the family to share some remarks about Mae Jiae'

I watched as Junsoo slowly walked up the podium. Even though I hadn't seen him in three weeks, I still couldn't stand the sight of him. Junsoo took a death breath and started.

'Jiae was a good friend of mine. We helped each other in difficult times. She was a very happy and friendly person. We deeply miss her but we know she's in a better place. Thank you, Jiae. Rest in peace.'

Next was Jaeho.

'I remember the first time I met Jiae. She had a very large grin on her face, she wanted me to listen to Aera's voice. When I did, I loved Aera and I completely forgot that it was Jiae who brought her to me. I'm so s