Disclaimer: Shakes head disappointedly.

A/N: The funeral continues. This is all the same as the Chapter 7 that was posted before, just took out some sections. Please reread Chapter 6 to find out where those sections went and why, and because there are a few new paragraphs there. This chapter also had to give Chapter 6 its title, so it has a new one. But otherwise, this is nothing new.

Please, please, please review. I'd really love to know what you all think of this one. (And y'know. All the other chapters. ;Þ)

The Right To Remain Silent

by Ex Astra

Mimi looked up at the sky. It was nothing but clouds. She was grateful for the clouds. They at least felt like they were supposed to be there. Though they didn't do anything to soften the sting in her eyes.

She looked down at the ground. The grass was wet with rain from earlier that morning. Her eyes were just beginning to appreciate the consistency of color when a pair of shoes entered their view.

She lifted her head to see Mark approaching the coffin. It was the first time that day she had really taken notice of the people around her. And from the looks on everyone else's faces, it was the first time they had, too. But at the moment, all their attention was directed at Mark.

Mimi couldn't understand him. The service was nearly over, but no one had made any motions to leave. No one had moved at all. People aren't supposed to just get up in the middle of a funeral and walk up to the body without speaking or justifying their actions in any way. It wasn't right. What made Mark think he could?

No. Mimi did not understand Mark. And she certainly did not understand any of what he was going through, what he was coming to realize. All she knew was that the last thing she wanted to do was approach that coffin. She was too afraid of what she'd see inside.

Who she wouldn't see.

The others were just as surprised as she was. Maureen lifted her head from Joanne's shoulder, looking back and forth between her girlfriend and Mark. Joanne seemed curious as well, but not as eager to do something about it as Maureen. Collins was resolute in his obvious decision to let Mark do what he needed to do.

Mimi couldn't stand to just sit by and watch Mark do this without an explanation. She needed to find out what was going on with Mark. He was seemingly so composed, but his actions left that composure to be questioned. And Mimi needed some answers.

She was never one to simply react. She had to act.

Against her own desire to avoid the coffin at all costs, Mimi found herself nearing it. She was within arm's reach of Mark now, and he still hadn't taken any notice of her. She let a moment pass before reaching out and touching his arm.

Mark remained still, only moving his head a little to show that he acknowledged her. Both were frozen, waiting for the other to explain their actions.

"Mark…"

Mark halted her before she could get anything out of him. "Don't."

He glanced at the body one last time, and then departed from the desolate scene of misunderstanding, hopelessness and death.