I knelt at the memorial hall, numbly thanking the guests with my father’s students.

"Child, my condolences," said Uncle Harvey, a longtime friend of my father's, as he comforted me with a sigh.

"Thank you, Uncle Harvey."

It had been three days since my father passed away. Upon hearing the news, my father’s fellow disciples hurried to help, understanding my fragile state and taking charge of the funeral arrangements.

My father had made significant contributions to medicine as a professor and dean, treating many patients. Besides his close friends, patients who had benefited from his care came to pay their last respects.

We had chosen a large venue for the...