Astoria’s intervention had not only exposed a crime but also brought to light the enduring power of loyalty and love. In her own way, she had saved my husband once more, ensuring that his story would not end in deceit.

The funeral, though somber, transformed into a testament to truth and justice, with Astoria as its unlikely hero. As I looked at her standing by the now-empty coffin, I realized that her actions were a final gift to the man who had saved her life. In that moment, I knew that my husband’s spirit lived on, not just in memories but in the bond that transcends even death.