BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER R



GOODBYE--WILLOW



FINAL CHAPTER: THE FUNERAL



It was raining on the day of Willow's funeral. All of her loved ones were in attendance.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." Concluded the pastor proceeding over the funeral.

After he left, the others stood there silently, lost in their own grief. Dawn sobbing threw herself into her sisters arms. Tears falling from her own eyes, Buffy held her tight. She comforted Dawn as best as she knew how and at the same time wondered who was going to comfort her?

Xander, his face a mask of grief so deep that one could wonder if his soul would survive this day intact. The scars on his soul would never heal, fade yes, but healing was impossible.

Xander knelt next to the grave and quietly spoke. "I'll miss you. I've always loved you. I just wished I'd told you, now it's to late. GOD! Why'd it have to be you." He could no longer continue As sobs filled his throat. He got up and tried to get control, but his grief was to strong.

The rain fell harder but they paid it no heed.

Giles spoke. "This never gets any easier. Sometimes I wonder--" his voice trailed off.

"We'd better go." said Buffy. "This rain is not going to quit. I don't think any of us getting sick would do any of us any good. Especially now."

"You're right." said Giles. "We'd better go."

Xander and Anya walked to their car and left.

"I'll give you a ride home," said Giles.

"Okay." said Buffy.

"Go without me." said Tara. "I'll be home later."

"Okay." said Buffy. She and dawn left with Giles.

Tara knelt next to willow's grave. She was silent for awhile. Finally she spoke, softly saying.

"Goodbye--Willow."



THE END.

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