The Funeral
Saturday came. I didn't want to go, but I knew this was the last chance to say good-bye to my family. The clock chimed nine as I hurried to put on my black v-neck dress. Feeling numb I grabbed my coat and looked outside. Cloudy and raining. Perfect for a funeral. Sad and dreary; what a great combination. I thought sarcastically. There was a knock at the door. I opened it to see Uncle Harold.
"Are you ready Susan?" He asked.
"Yes. Let's go." I answered, shutting the door of my apartment.
We walked down to their car. Aunt Alberta was sitting in the front seat crying. She just glared at me as I got in the back seat and then went back to crying. She must be mad at me for yelling at her. This is turning out to be the worst day of my life. I sighed and looked out of the window. We drove out into the country and thoughts rushed though my head. Life is so unfair! Why did this happen to me? The rain pattered on the window as the green trees and grassy fields raced by. Is God punishing me? What did I do to deserve this? A tear slipped down my face.
We arrived at the cemetery and walked to a tent. A small gathering had formed. It was mostly Aunt Alberta's friends. We hurried in and sat in the front. Six caskets were lined up in a row with white roses on top and a black and white photo on each.
I stared at Mum's picture as a preacher stood up to say something preachy type. Mum looked so peaceful and looked so radiant that you couldn't help but stare. Dad's picture was back from when he went to war. He looked strong and fierce, but gentle and kind.
They had picked out a really handsome picture of Peter. His face looked like that of a leader and was happy with a lock of hair falling down the right side of his face. Lucy's picture mirrored her sweet personality, and innocence in her smile. Eustace's photo looked like the smart and kind boy that he had been the past few years. Last of all I laid my eyes on Edmund's picture. He looked perky, and his smile looked like he was going to burst out laughing.
I had been denying this, the moment I found out. I couldn't deny it any longer. It was true. Real. I couldn't hold it in any longer all my tears came flooding out in sobs. Everybody stared at me because the preacher was in the middle of his speech.
I walked quickly out of the tent, and down the muddy lane. I stared up into the sky, rain streaking my face. Why? Why did this happen? Why was I left here alone? Why did I have a family just to lose them? Why didn't I ask forgiveness a week ago; when we all got together? Why me? Why?
I walked off the path and sat on a stone bench under a big maple tree. I didn't care if I was rain soaked, muddy, or that my eyeliner was slipping down my face. I just wanted my family back. I looked at the grave next to me. It read: Jill Pole, dancing with her King. April 2, 1933 – August 30, 1952.
Jill. Eustace's 'Sweetheart.' At least, I teased them about being sweethearts. They got a little annoyed with it as I remember. Oh, why did this happen? I thought wearily.
"There you are Susan!" Aunt Alberta said sharply, walking towards me, with an umbrella in her hand. "We were about to leave without you!"
"Uh…sorry Aunt Alberta. I just needed some time alone." I replied.
"Well come along." She said. We walked back to the black car in silence, both thinking our own thoughts.
"I'm going back to the tent." I said, as we neared the vehicle.
"No, you're not! Come on." She snapped replied.
"Alberta, let Susan have some space. She can go for a few minuets." Uncle Harold said cutting into the argument. He nodded and looked at me sympathetically.
I ran back up the slope and slowly entered the tent. I just stood there in silence. Is there going to be no end to this torture? Will my broken heart ever heal? I just wanted my life to be perfect! No pain, no sorrow, just a fun filled life. Is that so hard? I don't get it at all!
I felt my life falling to pieces at that point. I laid my head down on my beloved brother, Edmund's casket, and wept. About five minutes later Uncle Harold touched my shoulder.
"Susan? It's time to go."
I lifted my head and wiped my tears away. I looked back at the caskets as we walked to the car. Good-bye, my dear family.
