The Empty Space Next to Me

Chapter 16 (final chapter)

Eliza Miller's funeral takes place on a sunny Wednesday. The light breeze is mild, makes the flowers quiver. The discreet sky is pastel blue; in the distance, thick clouds are gently rolling in.

All are gathered quietly around the grave lying only a few feet apart from Robert Miller's. There is nothing but the solemn sound of the eulogy and the humming of the rustling leaves from the trees nearby. Eliza's kindness did not leave anyone indifferent as demonstrated yet again by the high number of individuals gathered in a dense circle.

Katherine stands slightly apart, the closest to the grave. She stares at the newly-turned earth, head down and gaze fixed. Her eyes are dry and warily keep the secret of her mournful turmoil. Steve is by her side, hands in the pockets of his dark suit, his clenched jaw hung to sorrowful eyes. The reverend's words sound out in his ears like the final continuous buzzing of bells before dying out forever.

He feels Kat's cold hand touch his knuckles; her fingers slowly wrap around his hand and hold on. He glances at her and finds the same unwavering gaze fixed on the grave. Lost and desperate. He gently closes his hand around hers.

Across from them, on the other side, someone watches this wordless interaction take place. Jake's eyes quietly dwell on their hands then roam up slowly before dropping completely.

The wake at the house goes on quietly. The sound of the rain pattering on the roof sneaks its way inside. People talk, eat and drink with respectful sobriety. All have contributed and brought meals now lying on the long table at the end of the room, some of which are still wrapped.

Katherine does not touch any of it. She dwells on from one guest to another with cordial but remote friendliness. All welcome her company with affectionate compassion, gently press their hands on her shoulder or grin soothingly. Steve has joined the gathering. He talks politely to some of the guests he knows, throwing frequent glimpses at her from where he is standing.

By the evening, everyone has almost gone. Both are now feeling the weight of this heavy day. Standing by the entrance door, George and his wife are saying goodbye; they squeeze her hands comfortingly before stepping out.

Jake follows closely behind and stands in front of her. His expression conveys earnest sadness.

"I'm so sorry, Kate," he murmurs softly. Her face is expressionless and dull. Weary. He leans in and holds her in his arms in a strong and lingering embrace that betrays feelings lying under the surface. Her arms hang loosely and she doesn't move. He eventually pulls away and gazes at her with a wistful look. He pauses and glances over at Steve who just passed across the room. "I just wanted to say," he continues. "I understand now. And it's okay."

He nods to himself and walks through the door, leaving a heavy silence behind him.

Later that night, after all the cleaning, Katherine and Steve are lying silently in her bed, bathing in the infinite darkness of the night. His arms are closely wrapped around her small body, shielding her from any more harm.

After long minutes, the sound of her weeping finally echoes across the room. He kisses the back of her head and holds her closer.

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Three weeks go by during which the sight of the empty chair at the head of the table at breakfast and dinner, the collection of plants in the patio and the silence which bears the absence of Eliza's voice painfully acute at first, grow odiously tolerable over time.

Katherine receives a letter inviting her to attend a meeting with a lawyer whose name she has seen on administrative documents when she was sorting through paperwork.