CHAPTER 29 (SATURDAY)
Lizzie's funeral was the next day. I think it was one of the hardest and saddest days of my life. I don't remember much of the service. The McGuire's minister said a few words and some of Lizzie's favorite songs and poems were sung and read, but that's all I really remember. Your father and I sat together, with your grandparents. I bawled the whole time. Jo and Sam invited your father and I to the gravesite service, since we were Lizzie's best friends. Your father and I said a few words, as did Lizzie's parents and brother. After the service was over, we left the gravesite so that Jo, Sam, and Matt could be alone with Lizzie. Your father and I watched the scene from afar; we couldn't leave Lizzie yet, but we didn't want to intrude. As Lizzie's casket was lowered into the ground, Jo passed out. People began swarming around her until Sam asked them to give her some room...
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
After the gravesite service concludes, mourners file past Sam, Jo and Matt, expressing their condolences. The last mourner leaves, and the family is left to be alone with Lizzie one last time. Matt walks to the casket and puts his right hand on the casket.
Matt: Hey, Lizard. Sighs. Hmmph, that's the last time I'll be able to say that to you. A tear rolls down his cheek. You've only been gone three days, but I miss you like crazy. I love you, Lizzie. He kisses the tips of his index and middle fingers and places them on the casket. He turns and hugs his parents. Then, he steps back so his parents can be alone with her.
Sam approaches the casket next. He runs his hand down the length of the casket.
Sam: Hey princess. I miss you. I don't know how I can say goodbye, so I guess I'll say see you later. I love you, baby. He leans down and kisses the casket. Jo approaches the casket and puts her arms around Sam. They look at each other and begin to cry. Sam puts his on her shoulder. I can't believe our baby's gone! Jo holds him. Then Sam leaves so Jo can say her goodbye.
Jo: I guess it's just you and me now. I don't think there's any good way to say goodbye. Oh baby, why? She studies the casket. I miss you so much! My sweet daughter, I love you more than words can express. She looks over and sees the work crew approaching. I'm not ready to let you go! How can I let you go? Sam approaches his wife and puts his hand on her shoulder.
Sam: It's time, honey.
Jo: I can't let her go! She brushes his hand away.
Sam: Jo, come on. We gotta go.
Jo: I wanna stay.
Sam: Okay.
The three of them watch as the crane lowers the casket into the ground. Sam and Matt stand on either side of Jo.
Jo: Cries harder and reaches toward the casket. Not my baby girl! Nooo! A wave of nausea hits. She takes a step forward and passes out.
Sam: Jo! He kneels down and shakes her shoulder. Jo! Honey? Are you okay? A crowd gathers around. Please, give us some room.
Jo: She moans and opens her eyes. Wha? What happened?
Sam: You passed out. Jo begins to sit up, but another wave of nausea hits. Are you okay?
Jo: I'm fine. Help me up. Sam helps her into a nearby chair and Matt gives her a cup of water. Sam, our baby girl's gone.
Sam: I know. He rubs her back.
Jo: They put her in the ground.
The three of them look at the grave than now holds their daughter and sister. A few minutes pass.
Sam: Jo, it's time to go.
Jo: I can't leave my baby.
Sam: Come on. He leads her to the car and Matt follows.
SEQUENCE ENDS
(...Miranda stops writing at this point...)
Miranda puts down her pen and picks up the picture of she, Gordo, and Lizzie on their first day of high school. "Lizzie, I miss you. I wish you were still here. Five years later, and I still wonder why." She puts the picture down. It's nearly 1 in the afternoon and time to pick her children up from preschool. She starts to walk out of the study. As she gets to the doorway, she turns and looks again at the pictures on her desk and sighs.