Like many customers, Ducharme said the discovery provides little closure given Shahbazian’s many “plans” and often discussed goals. “Breaks my heart, it’s like I said she was just flourishing, she was just finally coming out of her shell, and she just seemed like she had so much to look forward to,” she said. Kim’s Nails previously held a vigil for their staff member and friend in January, nearly two weeks after her disappearance. At the time, they hoped Shahbazian could still be out there and well. Kim Lam, the shop’s owner, told CTV News after a month she began to prepare herself for the worst.
Even after learning the news, she said she struggles to “accept” it given Shahbazian’s upbeat demeanour. “When you see her it’s always happy. Even when she’s sad, she still smiles,” Lam said. Following a phone conversation with the Shahbazian’s uncle on Tuesday, Lam said they were unsure whether her body would be returned home. Due to the legal process, the family is still inquiring if it is feasible to have Shilan returned home. In the event the governments sign off on the process, Lam said she will not hesitate to offer the community’s support both financially and emotionally.
