The funeral
778 Words
The funeral was held in the cemetery near Angela’s home. The parlour where they kept her body reminded me of the nightmares I used to have when I was young. Unable to adjust with the smell of the flowers, I went out. As the wind swept over me, I realised my eyes were wet. I was crying. I felt like the time I lost contact with April. Not knowing where she was. Not even knowing if she was alive. Why was I crying for this child. A stranger. One of the many patients I have treated. No answer. But it still hurt like hell.
I didn’t realise someone was standing behind me. A hand touched my shoulder. I quickly wiped away my tears and turned to find Max standing there. His face seemed calm enough. But his eyes were really tired. He seemed sleep deprived for days.
“Why are you standing here? The service is about to start. They are going to take her to the cemetery soon. Come on in.”
“I’m sorry Max. I just couldn’t stay there for too long. I should go. I should….”
Why did I say that?
“Don’t go. Please stay.... June, please stay...”
I looked at him. Somehow I felt he needed me at that time. More than anything. Staying at the hospital and helping this family, I have never felt so close to anyone before. I felt Max needed a friend to rely on to get through this day without breaking up into pieces. I sighed.
“Ok. I will stay.”
He held my hand as reassurance.
“Thank you.”
The funeral took place without much problems. The only thing missing was rain. It usually rained in the movies when someone died. Right? Well, seems like it only happened in the movies. After the funeral, everyone gave their condolences to the family and went their way. I was also on my way to get a taxi. I didn’t drive my car that day cause it broke down. As I was walking down the road, a car came and stopped in front of me. It was him. Max.
“Do you need a ride?”
I couldn’t say no. After my days in the hospital and staying up with Angela at night, I was so tired. So I got into the car.
“Where’s your mom?”
“She is staying with my uncle for some time. He said she needed a change. I didn’t find a need to say no. After all, the house seems empty without Angie. She may feel the emptiness if she stays there.”
“And what about you? Won’t you find it hard to stay there?”
“It will be hard. But I need to get used to it. I will be staying here now.”
“So what about your job?”
“I have applied for a transfer. I’ll hear about it in a few days. Or if they don’t approve it, I’ll quit my job and find something else. I can’t leave mom alone anymore.”
During our conversation, I felt all the tiredness from these days wash over me. My eyelids felt heavy. They closed on their own accord.
My dream wasn’t a pleasant one. I saw blood everywhere. A beating heart. And a hand digging it out. I wanted to scream. But nothing came out of my mouth. I woke up sweating. My heart was beating out of its cage.
It took me a few moments to concentrate on my surroundings. The bed I was lying on was not mine. Neither was the room. It was bigger than my room. There were drawings on the wall. Seemed like buildings. The bed was really soft and warm. I heard the door open and saw Max coming into the room. He had changed from his suit into a t-shirt and jeans.
“You’re awake? Did you have a good sleep?”
I was really confused. What was I doing in his house. I remember falling asleep in the car.
“Yes I did. Why am I here?”
“Sorry. I saw you were sleeping and I didn’t know where you lived. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep. You seemed really tired. So I drove back home and took you to my room so you could have a proper rest. I know you were staying up these days looking after Angie and I don’t know how to thank you enough for that. This is the least I could do for you.”
I got out of the bed and walked towards him.
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Scarlett
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