As the night ends, Jackson and Taciana settle in the master bedroom.
Jackson: "As eventful as these past days were. I'm already thinking of another vacation. What do think, babe?"
Taciana: "We could take the kids to Isla Kalma."
Jackson: "I do miss those guava daiquiris."
Taciana: "Hehe. You were hyper on the third night of our honeymoon."
Jackson: "Yeah. Those were certainly better days."
Taciana: "Baby, every moment I'm with you, this life keeps getting better. Besides, it is your 'award' time."
Jackson: "I thought that was happening right now? Looking into your gorgeous eyes."
Taciana: "Hehehe, such a charmer."
They start making out lovingly as the sun rises. Ten minutes later, they hear crying from the nursery room.
Taciana: "It sounds like they are hungry again. You ready?"
Jackson: "Yeah, I got them."
The baby furries are eased into a calm state by their parents.
Jackson: "So... Tacci? When is funeral service again? I mean we are still assisting Zelene's relatives with the casket and plot arrangements. Correct?"
Taciana: "Of course we are. No one else would step in knowing they need help. Besides it's the right thing to do."
Jackson: "Yeah, hearts of gold, right?"
Taciana: "Hearts of gold."
Jackson: "Right. We Tontiones support those who are good. All who hail from before and all who enter heaven's gate."
Taciana: "Who taught you that?"
Jackson: "My parents did."
Taciana: "They'd be proud of you, babe. Just like we are."
She looks at her belly, imagining the new life growing inside of her and back to him again.
Jackson: "Well, time to get everyone ready.
We'll have breakfast before assisting with laying Zelene's parents to rest."
Taciana: "Good, I'm sure Zelene will be happy to know that she and her family aren't alone in this."
Two weeks later, the funeral begins, and everyone takes their time viewing Maurice and Donna Eris. Zelene spent the most time there.
Zelene: "Mommy... Daddy... I wish you were still here."
She sobs into her paws quietly as her aunt and uncle hold her close.
Uncle Cedric: "Your father wanted you to have this. It's an amulet of your parents holding you for the first time."
Zelene: "Thank you, Uncle."
Aunt Sarabeth: "Come, Zelene. Your other relatives are about to give their remembrance speech."
Zelene: "Okay."
The young rabbit sits with her aunt and uncle after everyone views the bronzed caskets and takes their seats. The pastor clears his throat and begins his sorrowful speech.
Pastor Everett: "Brothers and sisters! Today, we celebrate the lives of Maurice Hakone Eris and Donna Casselle Eris. To lose them at such a time has a left huge whole in our church family. Especially for their only child, Zelene Eris. If anyone has something to say about Brother Maurice and Sister Donna, please stand."
Everyone in the room had many good things to say about Zelene's parents. Zelene appreciated all of them, no matter how long or how short their eulogies were. Zelene rises and walks to the stand. Pastor Everett lowers it for her.
Zelene: "My Mommy and my Daddy always told me that you make it through loss with strength, diligence, and support from your community. Today, I see that all of you. Thank you for being here. I know that my parents are looking down upon us all from the Great Beyond. Smiling that we all came together to remember how precious life can be."
She dries her tears again and returns to her seat.
Pastor Everett: "Clap your paws for Zelene Eris ladies and gentlemen."
As the pastor continues, Sherman pulls out folded sheet of paper and tells everyone to pass it down to Zelene. Zelene shortly receives it and opens it. It's revealed to be a detailed picture of her and her parents standing together as one. Zelene smiles as more tears fall down her cheeks.
......Note's message begins......
Zelene, your family may seem lost now, but I promise to always be there whenever you need me. Even for a prayer.
Blessings,
Sherman Tontione
......Note's message ends......
Zelene: "Ooh..."
Aunt Sarabeth: "I know. I know. It's going to be okay. They are in a better place now, sweetheart."
After the service, Jackson and seven of Zelene's relatives carry her parents to their chosen burial sites. After five long prayers, from her uncle and cousins, Zelene bids her parents one last goodbye. Two new paws comfort hers. She looks to the left and right seeing Sherman and Aubrey giving her their sincerest condolences.
Sherman: "I hope you keep that peace I told you about last week."
Aubrey: "Yeah, we're here for you, Zelene. No matter how things seem to go in this world of ours."
Zelene: "Thank you. Thank you both. I need a moment."
Sherman: "Bring it in and let it out. Here. Tissue?"
She hugs them and sobs for a little before drying her tears again. A few hours later, the funeral begins to end.
Aunt Sarabeth: "Come dear. It's time to go. We'll look after you now. You're never gonna be alone."
Zelene: "Yeah. Okay. Bye guys. I'll catch ya at school tomorrow."
Sherman: "Bye."
Aubrey: "Bye."
Aubrey politely asks her parents to stay with Sherman for the afternoon until 10:00pm. They accept and let her go with the Tontione's. Aubrey then follows Sherman to his bedroom in a somber state of mind, but try to lift their moods a bit.
Aubrey: "The service. It was so precious and beautiful at the same time. I never thought of a friend's loss like that. It makes you think of how long we have left on Earth. What if our life here is too short?"
Sherman: "Aubs, we are going to live a blessed life. You best believe that. My folks nailed that into my head and so far, we are still here."
Aubrey: "Oh Shermie... you always know how lighten the mood. Even after a day of sorrow."
They nuzzle slightly.
Sherman: "Who knows what new beginnings await us? Cause it may just be a new blessing in disguise."
Aubrey blushes and shares a long smooch with Sherman as the scene concludes with a glorious sunset.
......Ending Song Begins......
Until All Are One
Until we're all one,
We gonna reach the skies,
So high... to find the stars,
So high... that you could taste the light,
Higher than before to feel the suns rays,
Life can be rough, but you gotta hold on,
Push it forward, no more stopping,
no more terrors of the past, no more haunting, no more hunting, no more tragedy,
Give life to all and where it's due,
So many things that we're missing,
Until we all are one,
Two souls unite as the moon cools the night,
Shimmering through the satin skies,
Life through the great cycle, Oooh,
As your body cools throughout time,
The dawn shows your soul in the end,
Until all are one in heaven and earth,
Until all are one in heaven and earth.
......Ending Song Concludes......
Author's Note: "Whew! My best and most eye-opening epilogue yet!"
YOU ARE READING
World of Paws: Balance of Heroes
RomanceAfter ten long years, our dhole hero Jackson Tontione has changed for the better after college. He has a successful job, a beautiful wife, adorable children, and tons of friends. However, when furries from Coastal City and afar are under threat from...
