Chapter Three
Kurt wore his most conservative black Armani suit to the Karofsky memorial service. He waited outside until right before the service began and then sat in the last pew. As he scanned the front of the church, he recognized Paul Karofsky. He noticed an elderly woman who he assumed was one of Karofsky's grandmothers, and some younger people who he thought must be cousins. He also noticed several people in military uniforms.
The minister spoke briefly and then opened up the service to family and friends. Paul spoke first, telling stories of his son's childhood, how much fun they had hunting, fishing, camping, and shoot hoops in the driveway. He closed by telling the assembled how proud he was of his son's military service. Then a female soldier spoke, telling of Dave's many kindnesses during the time they served together in Afghanistan and what a great sense of humor he had. [Kurt thought to himself – Karofsky had a sense of humor? Then he chided himself for being catty at the man's memorial.] Several other soldiers spoke of how they respected Dave and were proud to serve under his command.
After the service ended, people began to file out of the church. Kurt waited for the crowd to thin before he exited the pew. A soldier who spoke during the service walked quickly towards Kurt and spoke.
"You must be Kurt. I am Dylan Lafferty. Your brother spoke about you often."
"I beg your pardon?" Kurt asked confused.
"Dave said you were estranged from your family, but I thought you would all sit together at his memorial service" The soldier continued. "He told me about the problems you had with your dad regarding your sexual orientation."
"I really don't understand what you are talking about. My father and I get along fine, and I don't have any issues with my step-mother and brother." Kurt replied, more confused than ever. Before Lafferty could respond, they were interrupted.
The female soldier who spoke earlier approached and said "Hi Kurt. I would recognize you anywhere. You look just the picture of you Dave kept in his footlocker. I am Melissa Colgrove. Dave and I were good friends. Your big brother was so proud of you and told me what a talented singer you are. I am so sorry for your loss. He will really be missed."
Kurt began to comprehend from where the misunderstanding arose. Dave must have taken a picture of Kurt with him when he joined the Army and told everyone that they were brothers. It was so like Karofsky to lie. Kurt guessed that Dave stayed in the closet for the remainder of his short life. Somehow, after the letter and hearing the impressive eulogies delivered by his fellow soldiers, Kurt couldn't remain angry at David Karofsky anymore. He excused himself from Dylan and Melissa, left the church and headed home, at peace with the past.