“There’s nothing I can say in this moment to soothe your sorrow,” he began. “But I don’t believe I should try to do so. You have lost people whom you loved deeply and fiercely, and that hurts. It hurts. And it always will.” Roku paused for a moment, glanced at Gyatso, then continued. “We must let ourselves feel that pain, greeting our grief like a blessing. Like the unexpected arrival of an old friend at our doorstep. Do not keep the door closed—invite them in. Have some tea and spend some time catching up. Then, when it’s time, let them be on their way.”
