Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

LI

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Sea Shanty. A work song devised to accompany particular actions or tasks on board ship.
_________________________

I didn't get to tell Gilbert. When I arrived at the train station I found Sebastian all bandaged up. Turns out he found Elijah and things didn't end well. I decided that I'd tell them about the money after Mary's funeral.

Which is today.

We are all gathered at the graveside. Sebastian is having her buried in the Blythe family cemetery. She played a big part in Gilbert's life so he was happy to offer a spot to our dear Mary.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The minister's reads Psalms 23. Sebastian stands by the graveside, his face etched with pain, bearing the wounds of a heartfelt goodbye.

Beside him, Gilbert's gaze is fixed on the ground, a mixture of grief and gratitude in his eyes.

It's cloudy today. But the sun manages to cast a gentle glow on the gathering, highlighting the somber faces of those who loved Mary. I stand with a heavy heart as he continues to read.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pasture: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

The minister's voice gradually fades, concluding the somber service that marks the end of Mary's earthly journey. Sebastian spends a few quiet moments by the graveside, holding Delly close, before joining the procession back into the Blythe house. The air is thick with sorrow, and the weight of loss settles heavily upon everyone present.

As the guests disperse, returning to the house for shared moments of remembrance and solace, I find myself drawn to the now-settled earth that cradles Mary's remains. A wave of grief washes over me, and I can't hold back the tears that well up in my eyes. The realization hits me with brutal force—I've lost one of my dearest friends, a woman whose laughter and warmth had woven into the very fabric of Avonlea.

Alone by the graveside, I lower myself onto the cold ground, the grass cool beneath my fingers. Sobs escape me, an unfiltered expression of the pain that Mary's departure has left behind. The sun dips below the horizon, casting a melancholy hue over the landscape.

Suddenly, a comforting presence settles beside me. I turn to Gilbert, his eyes reflecting the same grief I feel. In the shared silence, words are unnecessary. We sit together, each lost in our thoughts, finding solace in the company of someone who understands the depth of our sorrow.

After a while, Gilbert's hand finds mine, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We should probably check on Sebastian." He quietly suggests.

I sniffle. "I don't know how I'm supposed to do this." I admit. "I want to be strong for him but-"

"And you will be just that. Bash will allow us to grieve as well." He pulls me into his side. "He knows how special she was to us."

The evening breeze carries a bittersweet melody of memories, echoing the laughter and camaraderie Mary had woven into the fabric of our lives.

I speak with a breaking voice, "I hate this. I never thought I'd have to say goodbye to her so soon."

"None of us did. But she'll live on in our hearts, Ada." He says sincerely. I lean my head over and rest it on his shoulder. We sit for a moment, the quiet understanding between us providing a refuge in the midst of sorrow.