Tacoma Falls: Homeland

The funeral

Morgan

I got ready for Momma's funeral and wore a lovely black dress to the knees with a pair of black flats. I clipped my long brown hair in a twist to keep it out of my face. I didn't bother with makeup. Why would it matter? I was attending my momma's funeral.

You're too beautiful for makeup, Morgan. You look better without it.

My lips curled slightly at Momma's reassurance that I didn't need makeup. She never criticized my clothes, hair, or me. She would tell me if an outfit didn't fit right or work with my shape. But she always reassured me I was fine the way I was.

Standing in front of the mirror, I realized how much Rodney criticized me. If it was my hair or clothes, it was something else. He never complimented me. How was I so blind to him all these years?

I smoothed my dress down and headed downstairs to Aunt Jessap, waiting for me.

"Ready?" She asked.

"If I say no, can I stay here and pretend Momma's coming home?"

Aunt Jessap gave me a slight smile. "I wish you could. I would do anything to take away this pain."

I didn't say anything but left the house after grabbing my keys so I didn't lock myself out. We climbed into Aunt Jessap's tracker and drove to the funeral home. Viewing for immediate family started an hour before family and friends.

We arrived at the funeral home, entered, and approached Momma in one room. Startler Funeral Home only had two viewing rooms, an office, and a lounge for people. It wasn't big like most funeral homes. That was fine by me. I prefer a more intimate setting when paying my respects.

Aunt Jessap gave me a few minutes alone with Momma. She lay in the casket with her hands folded in front of her and her eyes closed. It looked like she was sleeping. I found some comfort in knowing she was at peace.

I reached over and touched her arm gently. "I'm home, Momma. You were right about everything." Tears sprang from my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. I brushed them away quickly.

Momma, when will I meet my prince?

When your prince shows you, he's your prince.

How will I know?

He won't leave you.

What if I find my prince, and he turns into a toad?

Then you haven't found your prince.

I stared at Momma and wondered how she knew. Was I too blind to realize she was right about Rodney?

I didn't want to think about that toad right now. My heart was already broken. I walked over to Aunt Jessap and sat beside her on the couch with a floral pattern.

"Why do all funeral homes have couches like your grandparents' home? Do they ask old people for interior decorating tips?" Aunt Jessap asked.

I looked at Aunt Jessap strangely. "Why are you questioning a couch in a funeral home?"

Aunt Jessap patted my arm and giggled softly. "Oh, Josephine and I used to critique the furniture at the funeral home when we paid our respects. We always wondered how they chose their furniture."

"You and Momma had a strange way of looking at things."

Aunt Jessap looked at me and smiled. We burst out laughing at the irony.

The funeral director opened the viewing to friends and extended family. I didn't know my family well besides Aunt Jessap. We sat on the couch and watched people. They would pay their respects to Momma and then offer their condolences to us.