"Cooper…" said Dennis, he could see the pain in his Coop's eyes, he was feeling awful for him. He had to say something, do something.
He hugged Coop with all his might. Coop stood like a statue for a moment, then he hugged back with all he can.
"Listen man…" Dennis said, they were still hugging. "I know she was always a hard topic to… not talk but even remember. I know it causes you so much pain, and that's why you want to avoid it so much. I understand this reflex i truly do. But… i do not think it's a healthy way to deal with pain."
He concluded his hug, and looked Coop in the eyes.
"You have to understand, sometimes in order to sort something out, you must face with the 'problem' and conclude it right there. You're right, Mr. B's intentions are nothing but good and maybe he also noticed your avoidance about this topic and maybe that's why he wants to help you now. Have you ever thought about that way?"
Coop was silent, he was also guessing that but he never thought about his Dad noticing his avoidance.
"And please don't get me wrong I'm not blaming you for avoiding such a heavy topic, It's easier that way, it doesn't require you to get out of your comfort zone. But in the end, it's not a solution, it's postponing the problem as it's best.
So maybe… you should give it your best and force yourself to visit her. It's going to be agonizing, depressing, i'm not telling you it won't be like that. But in the end, I'm sure you will feel much more… relieved." Dennis said, squeezing his shoulder.
Coop was processing what Dennis said, trying to understand every phrase of it.
"… Do you really think it'll give me peace?"
"I'm almost sure of it. It will make you a whole, your spirit will get stronger. I mean you're already strong both physically and mentally (also thanks to a god damn alien cat), and now you will be even better! Plus, i have to agree Mr. B one more time, it would be a much better way to remember her. It would feel right."
Dennis was right. Coop has been avoiding this for too long, he didn't want this to go on like this. He knew he had to mourn in a proper way, he knew he should gave her mother a proper goodbye. But he was so scared, his heart was racing every time he thought about her grave.
"You're right man, definetly right. I know i have to do this but it's just that i'm… so scared Dennis. I'm scared that i'd lose myself, that it will only make my pain greater. What would i do then?" said Coop.
"I'm thinking that you're strong enough to overcome this man, i mean it. Besides, if you're scared to do something Coop..." said Dennis while trying to stand up.
"That's the reason why you should do it." He offered his hand to lift Coop up.
Coop was feeling much better thanks to him, he smiled genuinely and took his brother's hand.
"Thank you Dennis, you're an amazing person and i'm so lucky to be your friend." Said Coop. "But i gotta ask… how do you know all this stuff?"
"Well dad's got a library and he forces me to read a book almost every week. I recently read a book about psychology and i guessed i memorized some parts of it. Turns out dad's dictatorial regime does work sometimes." He said as he laughed. Upon this, Coop also started to laugh.
"Now enough with this moodiness… it was your turn to pass the ball!"
"Oh yeah yeah you're right, coming up!"
Boys continued to play their game while they heard Burt's voice over the kitchen.
"Boys and girls, who wants some freshly squeezed lemonade to cool that summer heat down huh?"
"Ohh me, me!" said boys with union and then run to the kitchen for their reward.
The rest of the day was quiet nice actually. Boys hung out during the day, watched some cartoons while Millie was organizing a tea party with a ridiculed Kat. After a whole day Dennis said goodbye and went to his home, then the Burtonburger family went to the kitchen for dinner.
Although the dinner was nice, Coop was still thinking about what Dennis said earlier. He was trying to convince himself why he should do it.
"Hey sport, what's on your mind? You are pretty quiet this evening." Said Burt while looking at Coop.
"Probably about some dorky thing like Captain Blasteroid toys or whatever" said Millie while laughing. Kat meowed as he was agreeing this statement.
"Shut it tea party freaks." Said Coop, he didn't mean that but he said it with a harsher tone then he imagined. All of them were surprised.
"Sorry it just slipped out. And yeah dad I'm okay, i was thinking about a topic me and Dennis talked about earlier that's all. It's nothing serious." Said coop with a fake smile.
Burt examined his son's attitude for a moment, but then he gave up.
"Ok pal, if you say so. Now that you guys are finished, chop chop to the bathroom wash your hands!"
"Ok dad!" they said in an union. While they were running to the bath, Kat suddenly changed his posture and tripped Coop.
Coop got slammed to the ground and stayed there for a second. His forehead was getting red he could feel it.
"Ouch, watch it you feline freak!" said Coop while looking at Kat.
Kat smiled and showed him his razor-like teeth, and made a L symbol on his head. While Coop was standing up he came near to his face and licked his left cheek, which shocked Coop truly.
"Ew that was weird dude, even for you." Said Coop with a confused look.
"Meow mreow" said Kat mockingly, then ran passed him following Millie.
"Ugh, whatev's" said Coop and walked to the bathroom to wash his hands.
Later that night nothing extraordinary happened. It was surprisingly unevenftul and Coop went to his bed, not knowing that he was about to have his worst nightmare ever.