The day of Jay's funeral dawned somber and gray, the sky overcast as if in mourning. Tyrell and Elizabeth arrived early, hoping to find a moment of solace before the service began. The cemetery was a sea of black, the muted colors reflecting the collective grief of those who had come to pay their respects. A light drizzle began to fall, adding a cold bite to the already heavy atmosphere.
Tyrell held Elizabeth's hand as they walked towards the graveside. The fresh earth, still dark and damp from recent rain, formed a stark contrast against the lush green grass. The sight of the coffin, draped in flowers, made the reality of Jay's death hit even harder.
As they made their way to the gathering crowd, they spotted Caramon, a tall and bony man, standing apart from the others. His posture was slightly hunched, and his eyes darted around nervously. Elizabeth recognized him immediately and walked over.
"Caramon," Elizabeth called softly as they approached. "It's good to see you here."
Caramon turned, a sad smile on his face. "Elizabeth, Tyrell. It's been a long time. I'm sorry it has to be under these circumstances."
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "How are you holding up?"
Caramon sighed, glancing at the ground. "It's tough. Darcy and I talked a lot about Jay. It's hard to believe he's gone."
Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. "Darcy... isn't he in the same prison as Mitchell?"
Caramon nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through his sorrow. "Yeah, he is. It's strange how interconnected our lives have become. Darcy told me about Mitchell. I can't imagine what he's going through."
Elizabeth's face softened. "That must be hard for you, too, knowing they're both in there."
Caramon shrugged. "It's a strange comfort, knowing Darcy isn't alone. He's mentioned Mitchell a few times. They get along, I think."
Elizabeth and Caramon fell into a deeper conversation about their respective partners, finding a shared understanding in their experiences. As they talked, Elizabeth felt a small comfort in knowing someone else understood the pain and complexity of loving someone on the other side of prison walls.
Meanwhile, Tyrell spotted a few familiar faces from his and Jay's childhood. Harley, a fisherman with a lanky frame and a face that resembled Sid the Sloth from "Ice Age," stood awkwardly at the edge of the group. His weather-beaten skin and slightly disheveled appearance made him stand out.
"Harley?" Tyrell called out, walking over.
Harley turned, a look of recognition dawning on his face. "Tyrell! It's been ages, mate."
They embraced briefly, the kind of hug shared by friends who had drifted apart but still held a deep bond.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Tyrell admitted, stepping back. "How's life treating you?"
Harley shrugged, a rueful smile on his lips. "You know how it is. The sea's always got its ups and downs. I heard about Jay. Couldn't believe it at first."
"Yeah," Tyrell said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's been a rough ride."
As they talked, another familiar face emerged from the crowd. Oliver, who had run into Mitchell before his imprisonment, approached them. His round face was flushed, and his eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and confusion.
"Tyrell," Oliver said, his voice trembling slightly. "I didn't know who else to talk to. This whole thing with Mitchell... I can't wrap my head around it."
