Words Under Red

The Wake

She arrived at the wake at 6pm and walked among the guests who stood in small groups, eating from paper plates. She was recognized by many but didn't see a familiar face in sight.

"Little Katie?" came a voice from behind.

Katie turned and her eyes fell on a face from her memory.

"Well, I guess you're not so little, anymore!"

"Oh, Mrs. McCready, I am so sorry. I'm sick with grief. I heard just last night and flew right out."

She took Katie into her arms. "I know, dear, we are all, still, in a bit of shock. She pulled back holding Katie's hands. He would have been so happy that you would come here, you being so busy and all. You know, he did confide that he watched you on the television regularly aboard the ship. The boys kidded him, of course, but he never told them that he knew you. He would just sit and smile."

"But, why didn't Chase ever try to contact me?"

"Oh, child, he didn't want to bother you. He said that he was in a different part of your life -- another time, another place. He was so proud of you. I'm proud of the two of you; you've both done very well. Don't be sad, he loved being a pilot. The danger, he said, made life that much more exciting. That boy was just like his father!"

Mrs. McCready pointed to a long table on the other side of the room. "Now, go and help yourself to some food, you're far too skinny!", and she was off, back to the kitchen to grab another platter.

Katie moved about the crowded room and listened to the various conversations. No one was sad, really; everyone almost seemed happy as they told tales of their crewmate, their friend, their son, their brother, and husband. 

Katie listened as if she was hearing voices reciting entries from a journal: Chase broke up fights, lent money, bailed his drunk buddies out of jail, helped his sisters with their boy problems, proposed on his knees at the top of a ski slope in Germany, and spent all of his free time with his daughter on the swings in the park. He was the guy you could always count on. He knew how to have a good time, but also when the work needed to get done. He never complained and his smile was infectious.

By midnight the gathering was still in full swing, but Katie was tired. Before she left, Katie asked Mrs. McCready if it would be alright if she said a few words at the funeral. This is why she had come and these words would be the most important she would ever say.

Back in her room under the thick comforter, she turned to the nightstand and set the red envelope against the base of the lamp, and gazed upon it as she switched off the light.