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"No words appear before me in the after math. Salt streams out my eyes and into my ears." [EPILOGUE]
Funerals were never easy. Everyone stood silently around a tombstone as they watched the coffin lower into the ground. Some were sobbing quietly, and some were looking emotionless.
Miguel was one of the people who stood emotionless. Not because he didn't care, but because he didn't want to show his weak side to the public. In reality, he wanted to cry in his bed and never wake up. He would love to stay in his dreams, where she was always there.
Miguel wiped a singular tear with his fingers as he walked towards the coffin. He tossed a single white rose on top of it. Everyone else is following too.
The sound of digging and the sound of dirt falling on the coffin made him severely uncomfortable. He didn't know why. Moments later, the shovels pat the dirt down before being tossed aside.
He watched as Ben bent down on his knee. His hand caressed the top of the tombstone, murmuring something under his breath. Ethan bent down on one knee and placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder.
Ben Rider's body lurched forward, attempting to contain his sob. Although her death had already settled in his head, seeing her buried only confirmed it more. He would never see her, hug her, or hear her voice.
He would be all alone in his house, and he didn't know if he could cope with that.
Ethan looked away from his brother for a moment and looked back at the others. All the guests were gone, and only family members and friends were left. He then looked toward the tombstone.
Harley Charlotte Rider 12/1/1995–6/3/2023 Loving daughter, friend, and hero. "Gone yet never forgotten."
Ethan helped his brother up before hugging Penny. Penny pulled something out of her back pocket before placing it next to the flowers. The card read: Penny and Ethan. We invite you to share with us a celebration of love and commitment. July 15th, 2023. White Chapel.
Penny then murmured. "So you'll never forget the date."
Miguel walked towards Ben for what seemed to be the last time. Miguel then said to him, "I'm sorry."
Ben smiled sadly. "Not your fault."
Miguel looked towards his right hand, which had a white plastic bag. He held it up to Ben, who took it and removed the bag. It was Harley's torn-up spider suit. The spider suit was in better condition since it was washed and stitched up the best it could.
Ben gave him an appreciative smile, then let out a shaky breath. "She had a lot to do. She told me she wanted to stop the art for a bit. She wanted to join a dance team. I guess being Spider-Woman keeps you away from your dreams, huh?"
"You know?" Miguel asked in confusion.
"She told me. She could never keep a secret." Ben paused for a moment and placed a firm hand on Miguel's shoulder. "You know, she talked so much about you. I almost wanted to rip my ears off. She also told me she wanted to marry you one day. I'm sorry that won't come true. She loved you a lot.
"I love your daughter a lot." Miguel nodded.
"I know." He sighed and for brief moment there was utter silence. "Come by my house whenever you like. I don't want you ending up a stranger."
Miguel nodded. "Yes, sir."
After that, it was silence. Just Miguel, Ethan, Penny, and Ben are staring at the grave. They would never forget who she was and how her life contributed positively to everyone around them.
As Ben began to walk his way home—his car broke down—he watched a large billboard with Harley's face on it. Revealing that she was Spider-woman and how her contribution to their community was never forgotten.
Next to a lamp post, a picture of Harley's face and thousands of flowers surrounded it. Ben was very proud of his daughter, and he only wishes she could see that.
He opened the door to his home and closed the door. Ben was completely alone in his house. It was eerie, as if he could still feel her presence. He looked at the skateboard that dangerously lay on the entryway. He made sure to place it against the wall.
He stood up and saw her headphones on the couch. He grabbed them. Her coat was on the back of the dining chair. He grabbed the coat before going up the stairs and opening the door to her room.
He paused for a moment, frightened to enter. After what seemed like a life time he entered the bedroom.
It was just the same as she left it. He placed the jacket and headphones on her bed. He looked around her bedroom. Her room was a mess, like always. Dirty laundry off to the side and paintbrushes laid haphazardly on the floor. Ben sat on the bed looked at the picture of them on the bedside table. He picked it up and blew the dust off it and stared at it for a long time.
After an hour or two of reminiscing, he walked towards the kitchen and grabbed two bowls to make cereal. One cereal is in front of him, and the other is on the opposite side. He only ended up sobbing at the dining table.
Two Weeks Later
Benjamin Rider no longer lived alone since Penny and Ethan decided to accompany him. This lightened the mood for Ben, but it didn't help as much as he wanted to. (He was also contemplating selling the house at first, but his brother convinced him not to.)
Penny Wadsworth quit her job as a professor before getting hired for another one. She didn't want to dwell on the memories of not seeing her favorite student there. But not before collecting all of Harley's paintings and sketchbooks.
Ethan Rider was finally released from the hospital and is currently recovering from a heart attack. He also took an extra week off from his job to properly mourn. (He would stare at the teddy bear Harley had gifted him at three years old.)
Hobie Brown stopped playing his electric guitar for a week but played it once more. The extra guitar in the corner of the room would collect dust. Only reserved for one person.
Gwen Stacy hid all the pictures of Harley and her. It was too painful to look at, and she will look at it again when she feels comfortable.
Peter Parker hasn't made a joke in a while or smiled. He only smiled when Mayday was looking at him with big doe eyes or when he saw his wife.
Jessica Drew became quieter as her sarcasm decreased. She would miss her long-time partner for her missions.
Lyla had sadly shut off Harley's wristband, but still kept all her data.
Miguel O'hara overworked himself into finding Miles. He pushed everyone out and continued to overwork. Anything to distract himself. If he didn't think about her, he wouldn't feel the pain. He also became increasingly agitated and meaner towards others. (Miguel held on to her wristband and hoodie for comfort.).
Their marriage would never happen.
Harley Rider has officially met her mom in the afterlife and feels happier with all the pain and burden lifted off of her shoulders.
Maybe in another life time everything would've worked out.
