IDOLS

Epilogue

July 10-11, 2023
Greyville, New York

The following weeks did not come easy for Lia.

The deaths of Cory, Chloe, Sebastian, and Mel had shaken her deeply. Thankfully, Angie, Sarah, Tommy, and Dominic were there the whole time, helping her through each step of the way.

Cory's funeral came first.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 10, 2023
Mauve Funeral Home, Greyville, New York
3:00 PM

Lia spoke at Cory's funeral, crying throughout her speech.

Lia: "Cory Truong was one of the kindest friends I've ever had. Obviously speaking about his death and the circumstances is inappropriate, especially with how he died. I'll spare the details and just let you guys stay curious. Anyway, no matter what came his way, Cory always had a fire in his heart and his heart on his sleeve. There wasn't even a time I ever saw him angry, which goes to show how kind-hearted he was."

Chloe's funeral was later that afternoon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 10, 2023
Mauve Funeral Home, Greyville, New York
5:00 PM

Lia did not speak at Chloe's funeral, but did attend the funeral and gave her condolences to the Eastman family.

Lia talked with Chloe's parents over the phone afterwards, telling them about how awesome she was.

Lia, over the phone: "Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, you two had the most incredible daughter imaginable. You seriously had a glimmering star in your family, but she was taken way too soon. I'm so so sorry for your loss, and I hope I can stay in contact with you in case you ever need me."

Sebastian and Mel's funerals were the following day.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 11, 2023
Mauve Funeral Home, Greyville, New York
2:00 PM

Lia's speech at Sebastian's funeral was cut short when a drunk family member interrupted her.

Lia: "Sebastian Michaels was such a funny guy. Not only was he hilarious, but he was such a sweetheart—"
Sebastian's relative: "Shut up already! Jesus Christ, you're so boring!"

Yolanda was in attendance at the funeral, one row behind the drunk relative.

Yolanda, irritated: "Excuse me? Stop talking. She's doing her speech."
Sebastian's relative, loudly: "I know, bitch! She's taking too damn long."

The owner of the funeral home, Mr. Mauve, was standing in the back and quickly intervened.

Mr. Mauve: "Sir, can you please stop talking?"
Sebastian's relative: "I'll stop talking when she does!"
Yolanda: "I'm sure you haven't noticed since you're drunk out of your mind, but she hasn't spoken since you started."
Sebastian's relative: "Yeah, right."
Mr. Mauve: "Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
Sebastian's relative: "No."

Mr. Mauve grabbed Sebastian's relative's arm.

Sebastian's relative: "HEY! What are you doing?"
Mr. Mauve: "Taking matters into my own hands."

Sebastian's relative punched Mr. Mauve in the face, knocking him down to the ground.

Sebastian's relative began beating Mr. Mauve up, but didn't do much damage because Yolanda and a few others pulled him off and escorted him out of the building.

Lia stood at the altar in horror during the entire thing, and quietly sat down when Sebastian's relative was removed from the room, not finishing her speech.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 11. 2023
Mauve Funeral Home, Greyville, New York
5:00 PM

Mel's funeral was the fourth and final funeral.

Lia: "Imelda Santos was an amazing person. Mel was indeed a little anxious at times, but she put up a fight until the very end. If only we hadn't gone to the Watson house, but you can't change the past. I miss her dearly, just like I'm sure you guys are, and her memory will truly live on."

Lia sat down in the front row for the remainder of the service.

Afterwards, her and Yolanda left the building, and saw a familiar face in the parking lot.

Sebastian's drunk relative had been sitting on the pavement the whole time, seemingly going through waves of chugging bottles and passing out.

He woke up as Lia and Yolanda walked past him.

Sebastian's relative: "Hey!"
Lia: "Pardon?"
Yolanda, quietly: "Lia! Stranger!"
Sebastian's relative: "He's coming back."
Yolanda, quietly: "Bad juju, Lia. Ignore him."
Lia: "What do you mean?"
Sebastian's relative: "The grand spirit will return. He won't rest until you and your friends are all dead!"