I exited through the side entrance of the building and stood by the manhole cover, pulling it up and out of the way. I climbed down the ladder and slid the cover back over me, shrouding myself in pitch darkness.
When I got to the ground, water spla...
The wind blew softly as many people gathered. It looked like a flood of black coming to the cemetery. Everyone was either depressed looking or serious looking. A reminder to all, those depressed had no idea about what went on behind closed doors. And those with serious expressions, some angry or trying to hide their relief, knew about his abusive nature towards his wife and daughter.
The family greeted my mother and I at the base of the cemetery. We were only going to have a burial service, since a viewing would raise questions about his appearance. The casket was a dark brown, silver brass handles along the edges, and the flower arrangement on top were white gardenias with ferns draped under them.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
A priest walked towards my mom and I, shaking her hand. He gave his condolences to her then turned to me.
"I'm sorry for your loss." We shook hands and I nodded in response.
Soon, everyone settled and the service began. Mom gave her eulogy, and I would say mine after some family members say something. Before I went up, a shot rang through the crowd. I spun around in my chair to see men lined up in Military uniforms holding long rifles. I almost forgot he used to be a soldier till he finally came home when I was two years old. That was only a couple years after he and my mom had gotten married when he was drafted. Probably explained some of why he was abusive, but I'd like to think it wasn't the cause.
Bang.
I didn't bother counting how many shots resonated in the air. It was horrible enough hearing that noise when it almost killed me more than once. A few started to cry, and others were sobbing by the time I got up to speak.
"First off, I want to thank you all for coming. It's never easy losing someone close." I clutched the folded up piece of paper in my hands that was the eulogy.
My hands started to shake and I hid it the best I could while unfolding the paper.
"He was an honorable man, who always tried to care for his family. Though he was harsh countless times, I hoped he would still be the dad I want to know. We grew distant, but ever since I was little there were those happy moments with him; filled with laughter, joy, and smiles."
I let out a shaky breath, feeling tears stream down my cheeks and continued.
"He is still my father, no matter how much he hurt me, and my only and last wish for him is that he Rest In Peace now. He deserves that much."
I pulled out a different piece of paper that was folded up and moved a flower, resting it under the petals and went back to sit down. Mom gave me a quick hug to show her gratitude and how glad she was about how I did. Several more people began to sob when they watched his casket go down, but I wasn't crying about it.
