20. The Uncrashed Funeral
Mina
When crying in the embalming room became unbearable, we migrated to the chapel and cried there instead, which was no more bearable, except for the smell.
Prospero was in need of so many funerals, but the chapel was not set for anyone’s in particular.
An empty casket surrounded by dusty white plastic flowers stood as a placeholder to guide the imaginations of people considering Loomis Brothers for their funerary needs — in case the absence of any other options within a hundred miles wasn’t selling point enough.
The photo stand that had held the centerpiece of Haley’s memorial service, just shy of a year premature, was empty now too, and propped up against the wall, next to the piano.
Ben and I had not kissed again, but nor was there any attempt by either
