The graveyard was speckled with blue military uniforms. Silver trumpets caroled a mournful tune, but Edward could not hear them. His entire world was trapped inside the casket at his side. He twinged as a sharp wind struck his raw face. He wanted nothing more than for everyone to leave.
The trumpets lowered, glinting in the crisp afternoon sun. A minister of sorts stepped up to speak. Ed did not listen. He only held Ryan's collar to keep him from ambushing the makeshift podium. He could hear Anna crying quietly in Al's arms next to him. He dared not look at her. He almost regretted bringing them. He felt a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Fullmetal," said Roy gently, "It's over. They're waiting for your signal." Ed glanced at the four officers standing ready to lower the casket.
"No." he answered, "No, tell everyone to go home. I'll do it later. Al," Al looked up. His lip was bleeding where he bit it too hard. Edward picked Ryan up and slid him into Al's free arm.
"Take them home. They shouldn't be here." For a moment it seemed as though Al might protest, but then nodded.
"Otousan, when are you coming?" Ed stroked Anna's neatly braided hair.
"In a little bit."
But a little bit turned into a while, and a while turned into hours. At least, that is what it felt like to him. He could have been standing there for five minutes or five days and it still would not have mattered. He must have shaken over a dozen hands, heard dozens of empty condolences as people filed out. That did not matter either. His mind was a wreck with conflicting feelings. He was glad to be alone at last, but at the same time wanted to run to Al and pour out his thoughts, worries, and sorrow. No, not Al...he could not pile that on his brother. It then occurred to him that, for the first time in his life, he wanted Hohenheim, his father.
A hand came to rest firmly on his shoulder. Edward turned to ask Al why he was not with Anna and Ryan, but it was not Al.
"I thought you left." said Ed dully.
"Tried. Couldn't." answered Mustang in an equally hollow voice.
"Thank you. For all that." Edward motioned to the wide space to show he meant the military procession.
"I'm not sure she would have liked it."
"She would have appreciated the sentiment." Ed told him. There was a long silence between the two men. It seemed there was nothing left to say, yet a great deal to say and neither knew which to say first.
"I keep thinking about Anna and Ryan." said Ed finally. "How many memories do you have from when you were two?" When Roy did not reply he continued, "They won't remember her, even if I tell them every day."
"Here, drink this." Roy handed him a bottle. Without knowing or really caring what it was, Edward drank it. The liquid burned his throat, but it sent a warming sensation all the way to his numb toes, so he took another swig.
"Fullmetal, she gave you legs to walk forward with."
"I think I'm finally tired of walking. I just want to rest."
"I've never heard you talk like that before." The surprise in Roy's voice was unmistakable. Perhaps he expected Edward to chant words of perseverance as he had in the past. But Edward meant what he said. He felt stuck, empty, dead.
"She wasn't your..." he whispered the last word, "...wife." Roy's hand tightened on his shoulder.
"No, she wasn't." Edward took a small box out of his pocket. He brushed a bit of fuzz off the velvet cover and flicked it open. Nestled safely inside was the ring he had bough not two weeks ago. The diamond and her two sapphire sisters twinkled sadly at him so he closed the top on them.
"I love her. I couldn't say it, but I do. She was stronger than me." Ed moved out of Roy's grip and lifted the heavy top of the oak casket. Winry had been dressed in white. On each side a piece of her hair was braided with baby's breath and her hands lay clasped on her stomach. She did not look dead. Instead, she looked as if she were waiting for her prince. But that only happened in fairy tales.
Edward Elric placed the velvet box upon her breast softly saying,
"My heart is yours."
Redemption: Fine