Bertie and the Sad Occurrence

by Bena Glinney

A series of drabbles from Bertie's birth through about a year after his parents' death.

25. Not Elizabeth

"And so it is with great sorrow that we lay Elizabeth Wooster to rest. Ashes to ashes. Dust to-"

"Mother's name wasn't Elizabeth." I whispered fiercely to Samantha. She poked me in the ribs.

"Yes, it was, Bertie. Now be quiet."

"Her name was Daisy." I whispered to no one in particular.

Samantha let go a slight hiss of air, like a leaky bicycle tire. "Elizabeth was her proper name. Now do be quiet, Bertie."

"But he's got it all wrong. Elizabeth sounds like some stiff old ancient aunt."

"Bertie," whispered Samantha, "can you ever stop thinking of aunts?"