Chapter 3 The Funeral

Three months. That was all the time she had left; three months. She was allowed to come home for the last two weeks, and I managed to show her how I programmed Ruru to speak. She died in her sleep, which I suppose is the most preferable way to go. I can remember holding her lifeless body in my arms the morning after and praying for some kind of miracle. If people can survive lightning strikes, why can't Aimi come back to life? Why does she have to die at such an early age?

I can't eat. I can't sleep. I've tried working on Ruru, but I haven't made any decent progress. Honestly, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I have no friends or relatives that I can talk to, and I've already decided a long time ago that I didn't want to see a therapist. What is there to do when you've watched your daughter slowly die right before your eyes for three months?

I sighed thinking about this and checked the calendar. Aimi's funeral was supposed to be today. Part of me didn't want to go. I've managed to keep myself together while she was in the hospital, but I don't think I'll be able to do the same in front of all of Aimi's friends and their families. Right now, all that I want to do is curl up in my bed, go to sleep, and never get up.

I shook my head. I know that I can't do that. One of the best ways to deal with loss is to be surrounded by other people. Besides, I wanted to give a eulogy. I felt like I owed that to Aimi.

So, I got dressed in my best suit and waited. When two thirty rolled around, I got in my car and drove to the church. As expected, the sanctuary was full with about one hundred people. Most of them were little kids who were Aimi's friends and classmates, while others were adults who I assumed were their relatives. I sat down in the front of the sanctuary and waited for the ceremony to start.

To my complete surprise, I managed to keep it together fairly well. I listened to the music, the speeches, everything. I think the reason I did it was because I pretended that it was someone else's funeral. It wasn't until the very end that I started shedding tears, when I was called to the front to give my eulogy.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. I looked toward the crowd that had gathered and felt my legs turn to jell-o. I can't do this, I thought. Why did I agree to this?

Then I remembered how much Aimi meant to me, and I knew I had to suck it up. I stepped in front of the podium and gave a weak smile.

"When people hear the name Traum Aimi," I began, "many things come to mind. Friend, classmate, playmate, confidant. But to me, she is so much more than that."

I dried the tears that were starting to flow and kept going.

"Aimi is my daughter," I said. "Believe me, I never thought I of all people would say that I have a daughter. I have so little game that even my online dating profile is nothing but a four hundred word pity party."

I heard some of the adults in the crowd laugh, which managed to bring my spirits up just a smidgen.

"So, with that information, it is not hard for people to believe that Aimi is my adopted daughter. But the fact that we don't share any blood doesn't matter in the slightest. The relationship we had...no, the relationship we have is just as genuine as the relationship between a real father and daughter. She makes me laugh during hard times, she is my baby who taught me love. She is my everything. And I use the present tense because I know one thing for certain. While people may come and go, the relationship and love that we have for them will never die. That is because I believe with all my heart that love is greater than we know. It is invincible. It is eternal. Because of love, I can look on my memories of Aimi with joy as well as sadness. I want all of you to remember this so that you can feel the same thing."

I walked down from the podium. I know it might be a little short for a eulogy, but I poured my heart into it. The crowd applauded kindly, and the closing music started to play.

I didn't want to stay for the refreshments down in the fellowship hall. I wasn't hungry and besides, I wanted to get home. So, I walked down to my car and saw a man leaning against it. He looked tall and lean, and his blue hair was tied up in a ponytail.

"I assume that you weren't a fan of the ceremony if you aren't staying for the reception," he said.

I felt a little nervous.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"My name is Listle," said the man. "You are Traum Tatsuya, correct?"

I didn't know were this was going. I gulped and nodded my head.

"Good," Listle said with a slight grin. "You are just the man I wanted to meet."

"Why would you want to meet me?" I asked.

"I work for this company called Criasu," he said. He pulled a business card out of his pocket. "Over the past few months, we have heard that you are working on this new project. It is an android, yes?"

I was about to answer, but Listle spoke up.

"That is very impressive," he said. "Not many people would attempt to construct such an advanced piece of technology. We want you to help us in our mission to stop time."

I felt my heart stop and my blood turn to ice.

"Stop time?" I asked.

"Yes," Listle said. I shook my head rapidly.

"Why would I want to help you do that?" I asked.

Listle chuckled.

"Isn't it a little unfair?" he asked. "How your daughter was taken at such an early age? Doesn't that make you feel resentful in some way?"

I looked down at the ground.

"If you join Criasu," Listle said, "you won't have to worry about that resentment. All the pain and sadness you feel will be gone. Eternally. We can make that happen as long as you build us your android. Does that sound like a deal?"

I stared at the business card in Listle's hand. Should I do it? I know that pain is just a part of life, but wouldn't it be nice if it was all gone? Now that I think about it, if I did this then I would eradicate pain for everyone.

"I'll think about it," I said, and I took the card.