𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝖳𝗐𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗒𝖥𝗈𝗎𝗋: 𝖠𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗅 𝗈𝖿 𝖬𝗂𝗇𝖾

I still couldn't believe she was gone.

The funeral arrangements had been an intricate affair, with Michi's sister, Alison, taking charge in my absence. While I had been away, wrestling with my own emotions and trying to make sense of everything, her sister had stepped up to ensure that Michelle received the send-off she deserved. I returned home with Mikaela in tow the day after Joshua came to see me, the weight of the past few weeks pressing heavily on my shoulders. I still haven't been around my family much since coming back, just the usual group. Ricardo was beaming with happiness when I entered the studio with the baby, but Anna was deeply upset with me. I had to apologize and beg for forgiveness, which she readily granted, showering me with hugs. However, this week was solely dedicated to Michelle, and I was determined to orchestrate her farewell flawlessly. Therefore, I was avoiding any unnecessary drama, putting my family on hold for now.

Alison had done an incredible job with the preparations, but it was my turn to take charge and finalize everything. Michi had always wanted a traditional Jamaican-style funeral, complete with music, dancing, and heartfelt tributes. She was a strong believer in celebrating life rather than mourning death, and I was determined to honor her wishes. My first step was to meet with Alison and the funeral director at the funeral home to go over the arrangements and make the necessary payments. The atmosphere at Michi's home was solemn, with friends and family gathered to pay their respects. Her picture was prominently displayed, surrounded by beautiful flowers and flickering candles. Everywhere I looked, I could feel her presence, a constant reminder of the vibrant spirit we had lost.

"Alison, mi really appreciate the fact seh yuh tek charge a everything while I was gone," I expressed, my voice filled with deep gratitude as we sat down for our first meeting to review all the remaining funeral plans.

She nodded in response, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeah man, yuh boyfriend did call and mek mi know wah yuh did a guh thru, Arielle, so mi tek it pan myself fi mek sure Michi get di send-off she deserve."

"Boyfriend?" I inquired, a hint of surprise in my voice.

"Yeah, the tall guy that was at the hospital... sorry, mi did think a yuh boyfriend," she clarified. "He visited my office and filled me in on the situation, saying that your cousin was handling some matters and couldn't attend personally."

"Oh," I responded, feeling somewhat blank.

"Yeah man... all pan the day dem weh Babe couldn't drive mi guh deal wid things, him offa fi carry mi guh do whatever. Him carry mi guh view the body and suh," she added.

"That's very kind of him," I replied, though I wasn't sure what else to say. I hadn't interacted with him much since my return, only catching brief glimpses as he often left as soon as I arrived. It had never crossed my mind, but now I was beginning to realize that he was probably avoiding me.