Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth, if I did, I wouldn't have to write a fanfic. I'd be making another movie.
Chapter 1: Tearless Grave
"Dear ones in the house of the dead,
Can you forgive
An old woman who was your proud
Daughter, who now too late
Returns your love?"
I stood before my mother's tombstone, the pastor's words echoing within my thoughts. The pewter stone seemed so plane, unworthy to title such a beautiful person. I allowed my hand to trace the indented letters of her name, S-A-R-A-H, the name had never felt so numb in my mind before. Silently I placed a rose before the grave and stood for a moment, before turning and approaching the rest of the gathered family and friends.
The sky was grey and heavy, it had been drizzling earlier that morning. A few mourners held their umbrellas at hand for reassurance, while other's were consumed by the overcast emotions that the weather portrayed so inappropriately. The cemetery was located in a clearing of a wood, in the town my mother had been born in; yet nothing seemed to stir, not a leaf upon a tree, or a bird upon the wing. Only the sorrowed spirits and line of vehicles made any motion. The church rested silently upon a hill, a white and cheery mirage, over-loomed with despair. The group was slowly dispersing, for the eulogy had long ago ended, and yet they stayed with the knowledge that Sarah would not be returning with them.
"Kesha, we should go." My friend Beena stated softly.
I stared at the torn ground for a moment, relentlessly battling against the welling tears. The words upon her grave were so cold, so little to describe her. I broke my concentration from the hollowed ground and nodded solemnly. Beena placed a hand upon my shoulder and I followed her back to the car.
"Wait, Kesha, hold on a minute." A masculine voice called out through the still air, causing me to flinch.
I stopped but did not turn or reply, I knew who it was, and I had no desire to converse with him at the time being.
"I need you to stop by my office later, there's a few things we need to go through and take care of." The Attorney, Jack informed. "Just your mother's will and a few papers to sign. Won't take too long I promise."
I sighed deeply and stated, "alright, what time?"
"We could go right now…I mean if it's convenient for you…" He started.
"Look, Kesha won't be in tonight, she needs some rest and a little time to herself." Beena snapped at him.
Jack stopped for a moment and fiddled with his sleeves, "very well, but at least by tomorrow."
"We can stay in the town and be there by noon." I stated quietly.
Satisfied the Attorney turned back toward the church, but stopped. He sighed deeply and lowered his head for a moment. "I'm sorry for your loss."
With that he walked back to the church, probably to meet with the other family members. I didn't watch him go, but his words stayed with me long after Beena and I had reached the town Motel. She got us a room and then ushered me into the building, fretting about me needing rest. I didn't really listen and headed strait for the shower, one of the only places I could sit and think without having to look at something or someone that distracted me.
The cold water was soothing as I allowed it to soak me down. I leaned against the shower wall and began to cry. According to the doctors, she had died in her sleep…but when I saw the body during the ceremony, I couldn't help but think against it. She was so healthy and young, only in her late thirties without a single health condition. It seemed only yesterday I was still living with her, watching her get up, cook, go to work, go to the gym, shop, clean. It just didn't seem right that she would die so soundly when there wasn't a thing wrong with her.
A knock on the bathroom door shook me from my thoughts. Beena's voice was not understandable, but I could tell by the tone that she was concerned. I quickly washed up to allow the swelling in my eyes to go down a little. Regretfully I exited the shower and got dressed, the fabric seeming to weigh me down even more. I brushed my hair out quickly and exited to see Beena had gone, with a note lying upon my pillowcase.
"Went shopping for some food and survival products, be back soon.
Love, Beena."
I threw the note aside and fell onto the bed, seemingly unable to move. The tense muscles in my body released the tension for the first time in a long time, and I was allowed to relax. Soon a great heaviness weighed me down to the bed and I could feel my nerves grow numb. I fell deeply into dreamless slumber, and slept contently.
AN: Well that's the end of Chap 1. Please tell me what you thought about it by reviewing. I found it to be extremely sad, but a perfect introductory to the story. Though I'm slightly disappointed with myself for posting it with so little detail and work put into the scenery and emotion. Oh, well, next one will be better. What'll happen next? Guess you should stay tuned and find out.