Tess of the D'Urbervilles – Ever after
The church was full with sombre faces and the dabbing of handkerchiefs. He stood in the central aisle looking on. Angel Clare was watching his own funeral. He looked to his side and saw his crying wife Eliza Louise, she was surrounded by their children, they could not see him of course because he was dead. He felt a presence behind him, turning round he saw her, his first wife Tess. She looked as beautiful as the last time he had seen her on that fateful day, unlike him, he had aged and the years hadn't been kind. She smiled at him and walked towards him. She took him in her arms, which felt as real as they always had, she placed a kiss on his lips and he could feel the years falling away and he was a young man again.
"My Tess", he said, stroking her soft hair "I never thought I would see you again."
"I knew that not to be true. I awaited this day."
"But…"
"My sins have been accounted for and I am at peace."
"I never forgot you Tess."
"I know I have seen you. You have been a good husband to my sister and a good father." She said with a radiant smile.
A small male child ran towards Tess and wrapped his arms around her, she stroked his hair "Angel this is Sorrow."
"Hello." Angel said welcoming him with open arms. He picked him up and took Tess's hand. Together they turned and walked out of the church into the light.