Eudaemonia

Chapter 9

Songs for this chapter: my tears ricochet - Taylor Swift

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With a heavy heart, Sammie walked to the front doors of the chapel. The sound of her black flats clacking against the concrete stairs reminded her of Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III's little orange paws running across the pavement. A choir sang a haunting melody that echoed off the walls. Tears pooled in Sammie's eyes, and Beatrice put a comforting arm around her.

"This is going to be closure," she said softly.

Haleigh, who had long curly blonde hair, and a blue to green ombre dress with butterflies, said, "What a shame, what a rainy ending. Stay strong Sammie." They walked through the grand doors together.

Sammie gasped when she saw the stunning decor. It was bright, yet still appropriate for the tragic occasion. Orange streamers hung from the majestic ceilings and a golden kitten-sized casket rested on a small table at the end of the aisle.

She and Beatrice sat down in the front row next to Quinton who was dabbing away tears with a velvet handkerchief. "This is just such a tragic story," they whispered, stricken by the loss of Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III.

Liam leaned over at them, confused. "Quinton, did you ever even meet Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III?"

Quinton just started sobbing harder and Ryan wrapped his arm around Quinton's trembling shoulders. "Let them grieve in their own way," he glared at Liam and adjusted his new humble black fedora.

"I just wish he was still here so I could teach him how to sk8" said Cory sorrowfully. They all ignored this comment. Liam shrugged and went back to eating his candy corn he had snagged from one of the tables at the entrance. Just as Sammie was about to thank her friends for attending the funeral, someone cleared their throat.

Theodore stood up front, dressed in an orange dress shirt and grey slacks. His dark curls framed his sorrowful face as he took a deep breath and turned to address the crowd. "Thank you all so much for joining us. Today, we will be celebrating the life of our good friend Clifford Atticus Damian Richardson III."

"It's 'Dominic'!" Beatrice stage whispered.

"Right! Sorry, Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III," said Theodore, looking a little flustered. "Although many of us sitting here today never knew him, Clifford was and still is and is a formidable part of all of our lives. He shaped Sammie to be the person she is today. The person we all admire." He smiled at Sammie.

As he continued his speech, Theodore ignored Tanner who was rolling his eyes; the stupid kid was wearing such a hideous Louis Vuitton suit. Seriously, why was he even here? "I know that nothing can replace Clifford, and that nothing can justify his tragic death, but hopefully this memorial will help us all heal and finally grieve in peace."

Theodore stepped off the podium and gestured at Ryan to turn on the projector. Ryan fumbled with the controller for a solid 30 seconds before finally turning it on with a sheepish grin. On cue, a slideshow of Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III's life with My Tears Ricochet by Taylor Swift in the background began to play.

A lonely tear cascaded down Sammie's cheek as she mourned her lost companion. Pictures of Clifford passed by - Clifford as a kitten, Clifford at the beach, Clifford dressed as Guy Fieri... Sammie wondered what Clifford Atticus Dominic Richardson III would say if he were here today. Would he have forgiven Theodore? Would he have approved Sammie's acceptance of Theodore?

The slideshow came to an end and the choir continued their melancholy tune. Everyone stood up to pay their respects to Clifford. Sammie was the last one to walk up to Clifford's coffin. She stilled as she heard footsteps approaching. Theodore stood tall behind her, his face bathed in the gentle orange hues of the candles. Lowering his head, he placed a single orange tulip upon the empty casket.

"I'm so, so, sorry," he murmured.

"Thank you for doing this. I can finally make peace with his death." Theodore nodded and walked back down the aisle. Sammie glanced at the coffin surrounded in orange flowers one last time and followed Theodore out the door.