If I Found Finn (#Wattys2015)

eight/ frodo

Mrs. Romans had called me about an hour ago. Well, technically, she called my aunt and then she relayed the message back to me.

Anyway, she wanted me to come over for dinner that night.

I didn't know if I could handle seeing the chair on the right side of the table where Finn usually sits- sat, empty.

Or if I would avoid his room down the hall like the plague.

But I agreed, because I couldn't say no.

I picked out this old dress I used to wear a lot. Black with a white collar, Finn said it made me look like the too nice version Wednesday Addams.

When I got there, his brother opened the door. I hadn't seen him since the day he had left with Mr. Romans to move to California. I presumed his Dad must be there as well.

Him: Hi.

Me: Hi.

I had missed the dork of a boy called Sebastian, but it wasn't exactly the circumstances I had hoped to see him again.

Him: Do you wanna come in?

Me: I guess. Not much of a choice, huh?

He moved over so I could squeeze past him.

Me: You got taller.

Him: It happens.

He stopped me before I made it to the living room.

Him: You know why you're here, right?

Me: Not exactly.

He sighed and looked me in the eyes, and the resemblance between Bas and Finn never seemed more uncanny.

Him: He, um, wanted you to write his eulogy. The doctors said he wasn't going to make it on Tuesday night, so- that bastard- starts planning his own funeral.

His voice grew smaller.

Him: He said he wanted you up there talking about how meaningful his life was.

He breathed out.

Him: And to not forget the fireworks display.

Bas looked close to either crying or laughing. Or maybe both.

The dinner wasn't that bad. I had said my hellos to both Mrs. and Mr. Romans, pretending as if his presence wasn't unusual.

Frodo came from out of nowhere and sat underneath my chair, near my feet. Leaning down to pat his head, I wondered if it was possible for a dog to look so crestfallen.

We all tried avoiding the emptiness of the chair to my left.

Small talk was made, careful of the topic of Finn for a while until Mr. Romans brought it up.

The funeral was supposed to be a week from today.