A clapping ovation echoed in the hall after Athena's speech, for most people gathered knew who she was and how dear she was to the martial arts teacher.
Athena gave a full bow, from the waist down, knowing how important that gesture was to the Chinese community that had turned up for the gathering.
With a respectful nod to the priest, she stepped down from the podium, emotions still swirling inside her.
She was on her way to her seat when the immediate family of the deceased stood up to meet her.
"Thank you very much, Athena. Although, I was surprised you weren't around when he died," Master Shen's wife said, her voice quivering with grief, her eyes red from crying.
Athena paused her lips upon hearing those words. "I got the information late," She replied, keeping her tone level, aware of the charged atmosphere.
"And why is that?" The woman pressed on, a scowl beginning to form on her face.
