Chapter 5: Funeral For John

Kate slowly opened the front door. The wall she'd crashed through had been boarded up and repaired. She held Max's hand as she stepped in with her. The place was freezing cold and dark. She switched on one of the lights and was amazed that it came on. The power box must've been fixed while they were gone. It felt weird to be home. If this was home, anymore.

"Well, here we are" Kate said, "I'm hungry. Are you hungry Max?" Max looked up at her and nodded her head. "Well, let's get something to eat, then," Kate said, leading her to the kitchen. Max propped down in one of the chairs and watched her mother go about the kitchen. She put on a pot of water and looked around, standing beside it. "How's Mac and cheese sound?" Kate asked. Max nodded her head, smiling. As Kate went for the boxes of Kraft Dinner, she noticed the phone was on and the light on the message indicator was blinking. "One sec, Hon," she said, grabbing the phone and checking the message. It started and right then she recognized the voice.

"Hello Mrs. Coleman," the voice with a thick Russian accent said, "This is Dr. Varava of the Saarne Institute. I'm calling to extend my apologies for what happened a few days ago. I sincerely regret what has happened to you and your family. I'm leaving you with my thoughts and prayers that maybe you all can rebuild what was taken from you. You Coleman's are good people and you've still got one another. Take care, and God bless."

Kate let out a little sob. Max stopped coloring and looked up at her mother. "I'm sorry honey," Kate said. Max shook her head, telling her she had nothing to be sorry about. "Thanks sweetie," Kate said, scooping her up. They both hugged tightly and were relieved it was all over.

A few more days had passed.

Kate, Daniel, Max and Grandma Barbara stood at the funeral, all dressed in black. Kate stared at the coffin, where John was placed in. The lid was closed and she couldn't get his face out of her mind. So handsome, so strong. He was a big part of her and now he was actually gone. It wasn't fair to her and the kids. But unexpected things always happened to the people who didn't expect them. She knew now, that everything was different. Now she'd be both parents for her kids. She missed him so much.

She looked over to her right and froze in her place. She spotted Joyce Cameron standing by her kids, dressed in black. Kate remembered all to well that John had had an affair with Joyce. She felt enraged seeing her standing there right now, crying like she was. She had no right to be here with The Coleman's and their friends. And it filled her with hate to accept it. Joyce turned her way and seen Kate's cold stare. She quickly looked away and backed up behind a bigger fellow. Kate kept staring in that direction, never taking her eyes off of her. Joyce then grabbed her kids hands and tip toed off.

After the coffin was lowered and the service was done, Kate and her kids were walking off to the SUV. "Kate," said a familiar voice. She turned her head and seen John's mother Barbara coming over to them. "Barbara," Kate said. "I have an idea," Barb explained, "You seem to be under a lot of stress. Hell, we all are." "Yes?" Kate asked. "I have an idea," Barb continued, "Why don't you let me take care of the kids for the weekend and you take it easy." "That's nice Barb, but I'm really alright," Kate said, walking off. Barbara shook her head and followed her.

"Listen Kate, I don't think you're hearing me," Barb said, getting aggressive, "Daniel and Max are all I have left of Johnny. I lost my son." "I lost him too Barb," Kate said, lowering her eyes, "you have no idea." Barb snapped. "No idea, huh?" she asked Kate, "No idea? He's dead, Kate! Dead because of you! You got my son killed, Kate! And it's your entire fault! You're incompetence cost John his life and nearly the lives of your own children!" "That's it!" yelled Kate, "Get the hell out of my sight and leave my children and me alone! You think I'm to blame, fine! I tried my best to prevent this! I did everything I could and you couldn't possibly understand what I went through! Leave right now, because I never want to see your face again!"

Her kids protested, but Kate led them away as Barbara stormed off in the other direction. She noticed a few people still staring at her, so she lowered her head out of view. She felt angry, not knowing what to do next. She knew it wasn't her fault, but couldn't help bearing some of the guilt. It wasn't fair to all of them what had happened. She kept telling herself that everyone suffered and lost him equally. She'd have to do her best to remember that.

Kate looked up and spotted Detective Alan Emerson standing there. "Hello Mrs. Coleman," he said, folding his arms. "Detective, what are you doing here?" Kate asked. "It looks like you need a ride back to your home," Alan replied. They all looked back as Barb sped out of the parking lot. "Who's this, mom?" asked Daniel. "Oh, this is Detective Alan Emerson," Kate told him. "How do you do, Daniel?" Alan asked as they both shook hands. "I'm alright," Daniel said. "You kids are brave," Alan said, rubbing Daniel's shoulder, "You have a good mother." Daniel smiled at him and nodded. "Need a lift?" Alan asked Kate. "That would be great," Kate said. They call climbed into his SUV and he followed.

While they were driving, Kate couldn't shake the anger of being accused of getting her husband killed. She was too angry with Barb to ever want to see her again. "So, are you staying in town?" Alan asked. "Yeah, but I'm thinking of moving to a different house," Kate replied, "I feel to claustrophobic in that place anyway. The memories are too fresh." "I'd do the same thing," Alan said. "I've been looking for a few places but nothing yet," Kate, said, "we all decided as a family." "Ah well, it'll happen," Alan said back to her. They fell silent.

They quietly drove the rest of the way home.