𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

18 | On the Day

LOTTIE GAVE A SOFT SIGH as she pulled into a diagonal space. After grabbing her purse, then phone, she stepped outside and stared ahead. Beside the building was an 'Overture Church' sign in thick white font. A moment more and she looked around, noting the ten vehicles. 

Who knew so many people cared. 

Then she hugged herself, beginning for the entrance. 

The chill air greeted her inside. Upfront, most were near the casket, looking in. The other four, in deep conversation, quieted down and smiled her way. 

Lottie waved a hand, forcing a smile, then took a seat in the back. There were three rows of ten cushioned chairs facing the podium, all of which were empty. She peered over and observed the small set-up beside the door with several snacks and beverages. 

This was more formal than expected. 

She checked her phone, then unzipped her purse, reaching inside. It was 9:30 AM; the service would begin in half an hour. With a stiff hand, she took out the note and read it over. The words were blurry, drafted again and again in pencil. A minute later, she sighed, putting it back. She could mostly make sense of it. 

Everything would be fine. 

Still, she forced breaths, trying to believe herself. 

"Lou?" a familiar voice asked from behind. "Something wrong?"

Lottie waited for the figure to appear. When it did, she smiled and shook their hand. "Hazel, so glad you could make it."

"Gonna give me a hug or what?" Her eyes sparkled, face open. "You know I'm a hugger."

Lottie chuckled softly, then stood and gave a brief squeeze. 

"So," her friend began, "where's your brother?"

"Huh?"

"I haven't seen him yet."

Lottie looked around, observing each person. "Well, it's still early." She turned back to her. "I'm sure he'll pop up eventually."

"Yeah, he better not ruin this! I know he's supposed to speak." Hazel crossed her arm, staring off. "I'm already weary about him and I'd hate to have another reason."

"Hazel, I've forgiven my brother." She set a hand on her shoulder. "He's redeemed himself now, so we can move past that." She undid the gesture. "Besides, he wouldn't miss the service. I know how much he cared about Aunt Rena. He wouldn't miss it for the world."

Her friend nodded, stiff. "I hope you're right." 

"I am."

Her eyes lit up, face leaned in. "How's your speech doing? I know you'll do one, too."

"Oh, yeah, it's gonna be great." Lottie mustered a smile. "It'll turn out just fine."

"Good." Then her friend turned, facing the casket. "I know your aunt would be proud of you."

"Yeah." Lottie matched her, looking over. "I'm... I'm sure she would be."

Hazel pat her on the back, paused, then parted. "I'll see you around."

"What are you gonna do? You don't know anybody." 

Her friend smirked, stepping over to the small back table. "I'm having breakfast. I missed it this morning."

Lottie tilted her head, arms crossed, then dropped the act. "Alright, I'll see you around."

Hazel chuckled. 

That was when Lottie's gaze drifted ahead. The casket was a rich brown, lid drawn wide, with a soft white interior. From her angle, she could only see the tip of her nose. With a huff, she sat down, willing herself not to go over.