The church was somber and grim as we all waited for Joseph to give his eulogy. Soft sobs from some members could be heard behind me. This was the second major funeral since the sinners tried to take Joseph into custody, thus triggering the start of the Collapse. Today was the first day since she died that I haven't suffered from a breakdown. She laid there, by the pulpit, for members to pay their respects. I couldn't bring myself to see her just yet. I wouldn't allow the followers to see me so vulnerable as I took in the serene beauty she still held in death. I was numb all over. However, we all knew I was only fooling myself. Everyone knew how devoted I was to that woman. She was my salvation, my hope, my strength, my weakness. I briefly made eye contact with Jacob who was leaning against the wall to my left. Jacob didn't let many people in but she was an exception. He loved her like the sister we never had. Joseph finally entered from the side door. He was only wearing his black jeans and boots, allowing his sins to be in view for all to see. Despite having on his yellow aviators, I could see the hard look he had in his eyes. We had lost so much in such a short time. He loved her like she was blood. I could hear the sigh leave his lips as he played with his rosary as he approached the pulpit.

"My sister, Gwendolyn, was loved by many. Her talents inspired all who met her. She was a caged bird before she met my brother and joined our family," my head fell to look at the ring on my finger as I remembered her on our wedding day. "It wasn't until she joined Eden's Gate she truly found her path and true voice. Despite all the hardship and pain she went through, she stayed beautiful inside and out…" I could feel his eyes on me as he took a moment. "It was no secret how loving and even motherly she was to the children of the project. I remember having long talks with her as she struggled with infertility. The thing she wanted most in life stripped from her. The sins of her past had made their mark, making her believe she would always be a sinner. She was a strong woman who hid her heartache well.

"It wasn't until six months ago, she reached what she believed was her salvation. She was with child. I still remember the day she and my brother broke the news to us. It truly was a miracle…" tears glistened in his eyes. "And those sinners took them away from us. May the memory of her comfort us as the Collapse approaches. She lives on within her songs and poetry she had shared with us over the years. We had been greedy, only taking her talent for our pleasure. Let us return the favor and send mother and child off with love," Joseph bowed his head as I heard the strumming of a guitar. My eyes searched for her but reality hit me as the coffin affirmed it couldn't be her playing anymore. I hadn't even noticed the choir was present. It would've been a real surprise if they did not attend. She was like their mother.

"In the west shall rise a sinister creed. The rich will get what they want. The poor will lose what they need. The devil knows our fears. He told all his friends. They'll block the sun with their lie as dark descends. Oh lord the Great Collapse won't be our end," the choir sang. As the song reach the chorus, the congregation joined in, bidding farewell to our Songbird, the Poet. The bubble in my throat prevented me from joining in. I could feel Joseph's eyes on me but I couldn't meet them. All I could do was remember when she had first played me this song. It the second song she wrote for the project and it was one a majority of the members loved. "We will rise again," the congregation sang the final line in unison. Joseph looked at me once more, checking if I would say something. What was there to say? I loved her and I failed her.

"Go now children, and remember sister Gwendolyn and her child in your prayers," Joseph promised as he finished the service. A few members tried to give me their sympathy and condolences. I didn't need they're pity. "Brother," Joseph called, causing those around me to disperse. "John," he said more gently, as he took a seat to my left. "You should see her before we close the casket and take her to lay with Faith." Tears burned behind my eyes and I raised my head to stare at the ceiling. "Melody and the other women made sure she looked her best."

"I'm going," I waved at him to stop him from talking. As I stood, I took a deep breath before slowly walking to my little bird's remains. The first thing I noticed was the pale yellow-floral sundress she laid in. They had wanted to dress her in her wedding dress but the baby bump wouldn't allow it. It was a simple, floor length dress that had short, off-the-shoulder sleeves. Her diamond engagement ring and matching wedding band were the only jewelry she wore. Her delicate hands rested protectively on her belly. My eyes finally wandered up to her face. Despite the minor cuts and few bruises the makeup couldn't hide, she looked like the angel I fell in love with almost seven years ago. If I didn't watch her die, I would've thought she had just been asleep. My hands that had been resting on the edge of the casket wanted to hold her once more. I settle for running my fingers through her raven black hair one last time. Rage ripped through me as my eyes landed on the plum colored, finger shaped bruises that wrapped around her neck. There was also mild rope burn from her necklace being ripped from her neck. "It wasn't supposed to be like this," I whispered to her. "You promised you would never leave me. You promised to stay by my side until the end!" I growled, wanting to shake her until she woke up. I felt Joseph by my side as he placed his hand on my shoulder as Jacob held back the hand I had raised. "I promised to protect you and it was you protecting me. It was all my fault," my voice was barely a whisper. Jacob let me go once I came to my senses.

"It wasn't your fault brother. She was devoted to the project. Gwen knew the dangers and still offered her life in place of yours. She loved you so much." Tears fell onto the back of my hands that held the casket for support. When did I start crying?

"You know," I chuckled, wiping my face harsly. "After everything that has happened in my life, I had thought I could only love you and Jacob. When I met Gwen…I felt born again. A new man. She really was my salvation. She accepted me for who I was and where I had been. I always knew it was foolish for me to believe I could have a family of my own."

"But you did have it John," Joseph replied, his eyes gliding over Gwen's form.

"I did but it was ripped away by wrath. That deputy," I spat, picturing that red-haired monster with his hands around my wife's throat. "He's taken everything from me. He'll pay for the sins he's committed against our family," I promised as my eyes fell back to Gwen's ring finger. Reaching forward, I took her hand in mine. It felt so cold. Leaning down, I pressed my lips to each finger before sliding off her wedding band. My wife had fairly small hands but I was able to slide the ring onto my pinky finger beside my own wedding band.

"The Collapse is imminent brother. The deputy will atone for his sins and we will all be set free. We must stay focused. You mustn't do anything foolish John," Joseph he warned. He reached past me to close the lid to Gwen's casket. I couldn't help but notice a faint smile on her lips as the lip dipped down. We'll meet again soon little bird.