Chapter Thirty-Six
Kevin
Kevin's second big mistake was going to his own funeral. The service itself was very nice; it was a typical Mormon temple service, albeit a bit more somber than the ones he and Connor went to every Sunday. He stood off to the side, watching the event play out.
Prayers were said. Tears were shed.
Kevin's heart nearly stopped for the second time when Arnold got up and walked to the little podium at the altar. He had no idea what Arnold was going to say, but he silently prayed that it would be coherent and not filled with lies.
"Um, Kevin was- is- my best friend." Arnold mumbled into the little microphone in front him. "He taught me a lot of things, mostly social things. Like when to laugh and when not to laugh. Or how to act around someone you really, really like-maybe even love- when you don't want them to know, something I think he may have had some practice in...His death, it hurts. But a wise being once said 'Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force.' so that's what I'm doing. Kevin, I'll always miss you, but I'll be happy that you've been able to move into a better place. Into your permanent Orlando, I hope. That's all I have to say, I guess. I should, uh, get down before I say something stupid and ruin it all."
Kevin laughed to himself slightly. It was so typically Arnold to bring both awkwardness and science fiction into a eulogy. He leaned back against the wall, silently observing. He had never guessed he'd witness his own funeral.
Connor shifted in his seat, wiping at his eyes before hiding his head in his hands. Kevin felt a tinge of guilt. It was his fault that Connor felt this way.
But, in a way, it was almost better that it had happened like this.
Kevin knew that if it were him sitting there, staring at the glossy black casket with eyes that could only be described as 'dead', he'd have lost it. He would have sworn off of religion and people altogether, claiming that they only caused pain and suffering. He'd be a mess; utterly inconsolable as he sobbed in his seat.
But not Connor.
Connor had always been the strong one. Always the one to offer a shoulder to cry on in times of trouble. Always the one to solve the problems that arose, while Kevin fell apart at the slightest hint of trouble.
Connor could handle this.
But there was no way in hell that Kevin could.