Sorry for the short chapter, but this is just the start of the ending.

N.B: This chapter contains some character spoilers from the book that was never mentioned in the movie.

Chapter 44 – Goodbye

2 years later

"Your name, please?"

"Eleanor Brent-Howell."

"One graveside wreath?"

"That's correct, yes."

"Just a moment, ma'am," said the young flower shop assistant and disappeared into the back room of the shop. Ellie looked around, taking in the cacophony of colourful petals and the sweet scent of roses and lilies while she waited. She could see a section of Brutus' old red Pontiac through the pot plants in the window and her heart felt heavy again.

The young girl returned and Ellie paid for the wreath and left the shop. It was a beautiful warm day, quite a sharp contrast to how she felt inside. Not a cloud in sight. She climbed into the passenger seat and Brutus started the car without a word.

"Do you like it?" she asked him.

"Yeah, it's fine," he responded without really looking at it, as he pulled away from the curb. Ellie touched the blue ribbon, where all their names had been printed in silver writing. It has been Paul's idea to meet again here two days after the funeral, to say a proper goodbye just the three of them. It was a nice thought and Brutus had agreed without hesitation, but Ellie had a feeling he would rather stay far away from the grave yard and the painful evidence of what they had lost.

The short drive to the cemetery went past in almost complete silence. No news there: Brutus had been very quiet since Paul had called their house almost a week ago to deliver the shocking and horrible news. Ellie knew it was his way to cope with the grief, but it still made her feel somewhat left out and alone with her own sorrow. If she managed to get him to talk, it wasn't about the death of his friend. He simply couldn't.

Brutus parked the car outside the huge, cast-iron gate of the cemetery, but he didn't made as if to get out. Ellie reached out to take his hand.

"Hun," she said softly. "If it's too soon..."

"I'm a'right," Brutus cut her off. "Besides, they're expecting me."

"Paul would understand."

"I'm telling you, I'm fine."

She knew his rigid tone wasn't aimed at her, but when he left the car with the wreath clutched in one hand and slammed the door a bit harder than necessary, she was overcome with a feeling of impotence. Nothing she had done or said had been able to ease Brutus' groundless guilt. He blamed himself for the death; so did Paul and Harry. Ellie had no idea how to help them. Perhaps only time could now.

They walked to the grave in blasting sunshine, but it was like pacing through a photograph of a beautiful day where you couldn't feel the sun or appreciate the birds singing. Paul, Janice, Harry and Harry's wife Barbara stood waiting by the grave. It was covered in flowers and the headstone had finally been put in place. The women left their men's side and walked towards Brutus and Ellie.

"Hello, Brutal," Janice said gently and took Ellie by the arm. "Come dear, let's go find a cup of coffee."

It was with a bit reluctance that Ellie let Janice lead her away from the grave and Brutus; for a second he looked almost nervous by the sight of her leaving. Then Paul called his name and once again, he disappeared into himself again, quiet and brooding.

He joined the men. They were going to drink to their friend. As Paul moved aside to make room for Brutus, Ellie could finally make out the inscription on the headstone:

Dean Stanton

Beloved husband and devoted father.

Forever loved, forever missed.