Tears kissed my cheeks like Gwen once had. For a moment I couldn't breathe, stuck in the past. How many months ago had Gwen and I stood in similar weather and mourned the death of her father? I wished I could relieve even sad moments like that. Mary Jane was solemn next to me, a red flash in a gray and gloomy day.
"We are here to mourn the death of a Miss Gwendolyn Stacy, known affectionately as Gwen to those who knew her." The reverend says completely monotone. "We now have a speech from her boyfriend of two years, Peter Parker." The reverend nodded in my direction.
I stood up stiffly and made my way to the front near the coffin. Gwen had always wanted a closed coffin funeral and that's exactly what she got. I cleared my throat and surveyed the puffy eyed crowd that was clothed in black.
"I think it's an understatement to say that Gwen was an important person and bright spot in the lives of all who knew her. She never failed to bring around a smile or lend a helping hand. Gwen was in essence the most incredible woman I had known and I am sure many of you who have to agree. I can't believe I'm standing here so soon with Gwen taken from us so early in her life. So as we learn to live life without Gwen let's not think about the things she didn't do but the things that she did do. Today we can mourn and while Gwen will always have a place in our hearts we should also try to live our lives with us much passion as Gwen would have wanted as every day might be our last."
With a nod I ended my speech. I walked slowly to the black coffin and pulled a single rose out of my pocket. My eyes watered at the sight of Gwen's favorite flower. I laid it gently on the coffin lid. "I, I love you Gwen. Forever and always." I slowly stepped away and melted back into the mass. I felt a light hand on my arm. "That was beautiful." Mary Jane whispered. I gave her a small smile. "Thank you. I love her so much MJ. There isn't a second that I don't miss her." She nodded. "I can't believe she's gone. I have to remind myself that she's gone." I turned to look at all the people dispersing as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
Its funny how life works. Just when you feel like you have solid footing things change, but I guess the way it goes. I know I will always love Gwen but just as I said I had a future to live too. As I glanced towards the sun peeking over the horizon I couldn't help but feel a ray of hope.
END OF PART ONE