Chapter 21: It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Warning: You might need some Kleenex

Tris POV

Today is Dad's funeral. Yesterday, Will and Eric gave their mother an Erudite funeral and laid her to rest right next to their father in the city cemetery. Dad is having an Abnegation funeral at the Abnegation main building with pretty much the entire city in attendance.

Dad's casket is draped with the gray Abnegation pall and placed in the front of the main auditorium. Normally Abnegation funerals would be held at the home of the deceased, but since Dad was on the council, Mom thought that it's best to have it in the Abnegation main building.

Each of the five factions head leaders gave their eulogies. Johanna Reyes of Amity went first.

"I knew Andrew since his early days serving on the council," Johanna began. "Each harvest, he arranged Abnegation volunteers to help us with the harvest, and I'm grateful that he did because I was able to watch his twins grow up during the harvest times. Andrew, you should be proud of your children and they will do great things for Dauntless and the city."

Harrison went next.

"Most of the older Dauntless members remember my sister Natalie," Harrison said. "When Natalie was 15, she told our family that she met an Erudite boy in her psychology class that she tutored. Little did we know, that Erudite boy later became her husband and the father of twins. As for Andrew, just before his death, he proposed a bill to end the 'faction before blood' law so that that families can be a part of special events, even with families split in different factions. I propose that at the next council meeting that we pass that bill in Andrew's memory."

The new Erudite leader Matthew Larson also said a few words.

"I didn't get a chance to spend time with Andrew outside of the council meetings," Matthew began. "From spending time with him in the council meetings, I knew that Andrew wanted to make Chicago a better place, regardless of faction. In fact, he wished that the 'faction before blood' law is off the books, and I agree with Harrison on getting that passed in the next council meeting. Andrew, I didn't get a chance to get to know well, but I will do anything for your legacy."

Both Jack Kang of Candor and Marcus spoke about Dad. Jack told us of the time when he first joined the council that Dad helped him learned the ropes of the rules of the city council. Marcus broke down in tears when he spoke about Dad, especially the part where Mom and Dad took care of Tobias when he was grieving for the lost of his wife.

"He was the most selfless man that Abnegation has ever had," Marcus said through tears. Tobias went up by the podium to comfort his dad.

Other people spoke about Dad, sharing stories about the time where he helped them out or from the council meetings. Even Eric and Tobias spoke about working with Dad in the council and his death has hit them very hard.

Six Abnegation men carried Dad's casket to the cemetery, where he would be laid to rest in the Prior plot.

Father Joseph Jacobins read from Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

After the reading, the Abnegation men, plus Caleb, Tobias and Eric lowered Dad's casket in the grave. Once the casket was resting in the grave, all of the attendees placed soil over the casket, starting with Mom, Caleb and me.

"Goodbye, my love, I will see you again," Mom said before leaving Dad's grave.

Two weeks later

Marcus and Harrison gave Mom permission to live at Dauntless so that she does not have to be alone. Mom has been crying because she lost her love and even thought of jumping into the chasm so that she could be reunited with Dad. I don't know what I would do if I lost Tobias.

Dad, I miss you so much and I will make you proud of me.