fallen | ✓

Chapter 49: "Rest Well"

(Tagged: Mitch)

Mitch's POV

It destroyed me. I wailed over her lifeless body. I had no idea what to do. Truly no idea. Bring her corpse back to Dock Town? I hyperventilated slightly, her blood on my hands. She still felt slightly warm in my grip. Her blood gradually stopped squeezing out and I knew she was dead.

And there was no way I could have saved her.

The man that ran in got a good shot in my hip. After I struggled to calm down, I tended to it, using some of the medical supplies I found. Emotion and confusion swirled in my chest.

Her children, her friends.

I gripped my coat, making a small growl. I needed to move or that guy's friends would start attacking as well. I picked her up with ease, putting her over my shoulder. I imagined what it would be like if she were still alive...

I carried all the supplies in her backpack, one hand carrying it, and one hand steadying her. It was incredible how stiff she'd already become. I almost started freaking out half the way to DT. I'm carrying Carmen's dead body.

I finally reached Dock Town and peered across the dock. I didn't think it'd be very pleasing to the eye for the CDF if I pranced in carrying a corpse on my shoulder. But she DID still appear as if she was sleeping. Maybe it would work. I puffed my chest slightly and walked forward, heading in. I avoided the stares and put her on her bed as the yelling arose from our friends.

~~

I sat outside the hotel room, my back firmly pressed to the wall, my hat firmly clutched in my hand. I gave it a firm squeeze, trying to calm myself. All of us stood around, waiting for Carmen to be cremated. I'm not quite sure what we'd do with her ashes, or who would keep them. The most logical thing would be to give them to Joao, Brook, and Jackson. I don't think any of them know yet.

I glanced at the room for a moment. I'd never look at it the same way. We gave her to a private "pyromaniac" that did this kind of stuff for cheap. Perri stayed with him to make sure he didn't do anything insane with Carmen. They soon came out and my gaze raised to him as he put a box in my hands and firmly pat my head, going back inside. I looked at the box for a moment, then at our group. It remained quiet. Perri leaned on the wall next to me, looking down.

"Is this?.." My voice was quiet.

"Yep." Perri said, popping the 'p'. "It's legit." My eyes narrowed on it a bit as tears fell from my eyes, making small patting noises when they collided with the lid of the box. Not a lot of ashes for a person.

Perri was the only one that could handle watching it, making sure it happened, and he wasn't just giving us his cigar ashes. I stared at it for a moment and set it down, rubbing my eyes. It hurt like a bitch how I saw her die. I honestly don't think anyone but her family is hurting more than I am.

I briefly looked at the box and picked it up again, giving it a gentle hug. At least she was at home with all of us. I felt happy that I didn't leave her there. I probably shouldn't try to think about anything that happened until I've passed acceptance. I stood, clutching the box, passing our group. I went up the ramp and into Carmen's apartment, just passing through. I went to the back mini dock but paused, seeing Sam.

He glanced at me and the box. "What's up?" He raised a brow.

"Carmen died." I murmured. I couldn't believe how easily I could say it now. He paused for a moment and shook his head.

"No, she didn't." He said, vulnerability seeping through his words. I pursed my lips for a moment.

"I watched her," I said, almost inaudibly. He went quiet. He swallowed a bit.

"How?" He wasn't able to muster the rest.

"Bullet to the stomach," I said quietly.

"Is that her?" He gestured to the box in my arms. I nodded, my grip naturally tightening. He nodded in return, looking at the water. "You can go." He said flatly. I gave his shoulder a pat before leaving him be.

I looked around for a moment but then stopped. I didn't really feel like telling anyone else. I went through enough today. I headed back to her apartment and sat on the couch, setting the box beside me. I slumped down, staring forward.

Her poor family.

~~

I woke up with a small start, the box gone. I immediately sat up, seeing Jackson with the box. My stomach tightened and I just stared. "What is this?" He asked, shaking it slightly. I instantly grabbed it.

"Nothing, Jackson," I told him firmly. He whined, of course. But that didn't work on me. I looked at him, my grip on the box never faltering. "Jackson.." I started, but then Joao walked in. I eyed him. He didn't give anything away from his expression. Jackson pulled on his sleeve.

"Daddy, what's that box?" He whined. "Is it a prize?"

I exhaled slightly. Does he know? He looked at the box. His expression seemed to drop, but barely. He does. I held the box a bit more protectively, swallowing slightly. I literally felt like it was my responsibility for the ashes. His hand twitched and I pulled the box more into my arms.

"It's Carmen," Joa said plainly. He held out his hand. I pulled back more. Jackson's face snapped to something that looked afraid and confused.

"What do you mean..?" Jackson's grip on his sleeve. Joa didn't respond. "Daddy!" He yelled more desperately.

"Give the box," Joa spoke to me.

"No.." I murmured. "You're never even around for her.. I don't even like you.." I took another step back. "You're not taking this.." His hand lowered and I relaxed slightly.

"I'm not fighting you over ashes."

"Yeah, you don't seem to give much of a shit about her anymore anyways."

"Why do you think I want the ashes then?"

"You don't seem to give up much of a fight for them."

Then he went quiet. He exhaled slightly and Jackson frowned. "Where'd she go?.." His small voice broke the silence. Joa shook his head and turned, leaving her apartment. My arms stayed around the box. My shoulders dropped as I watched him leave, along with Jackson who was crying beside him.

"...I'll miss you, Carmen...I'll miss you.." I said to myself quietly, leaving as well through the back.

We all have the same fate. Death. And it'll be a lonely ride for me until I get there.

The End

(yes this book is now officially over. I hope you all enjoyed :00 so please comment vote and share! i always love comments. happy reading!)