Triphilia - the third time has it's charm | book 3 | Scomavi

Chapter 18

It was a long day and even if Mitch didn't knew how, he made it through the service at church, the burial on the graveyard and the reception they were just having in a restaurant near the graveyard. It had drained him emotionally and by the time they had had a some lunch, he excused himself to the bathroom.

Scott and Avi, who had always been near Mitch noticed that immediately and exchanged a look. "I'll go" Avi mouthed over and Scott nodded and smiled. 

Avi left the room and went into the bathroom, not surprised when he saw Mitch standing at the sink, splashing water into his face. 

"Are you okay?" Avi asked once Mitch had recognised his presence. 

"Yeah... just needed to get out for a moment..." Mitch said. "What are you doing here?" 

Avi smiled at his boyfriend. "You know how we promised you to not leave you alone today?" 

Mitch smiled. "I'm so glad for my wonderful boyfriends" he returned. 

"Thank you, but we're just helping you. Remember, you did the same for both of us before..." Avi reminded him. 

Mitch hummed. "I know, but still: Thank you."

"You're welcome..." Avi replied. "Now, Mitch. Wanna go back in there, or leave?" 

"Leave?" Mitch asked with a confused face. The thought of getting away from everyone and everything was appealing, but he faltered.

Avi shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think anyone would mind if you said your goodbyes now. I can see how tired you are, Mitch. I think you had enough for today..."  

Mitch sighed. "You're right... I feel drained." 

"Good" Avi said and stretched out his arm. "Let's go, Mitchy."

Mitch took Avi's hand and let himself be led back into the restaurant, where he told his parents that he and his boyfriends would be leaving, before saying his goodbyes to family and friends. It took him a while, but finally he was outside with his boyfriends. 

"Wanna go home?" Scott asked him. "Take a nap?"

Mitch immediately shook his head. "No. Not home. I want to... go back to the graveyard... to Nonna. Just to be there for a moment without everyone watching me..." 

"I understand" Avi said and took Mitch's hand. "Do you want to be alone?" 

"You're not everyone" Mitch replied slowly and offered Scott his free hand. "Please join me..."

In silence, the three men walked down the street and onto the graveyard. Words were not needed, all Mitch needed was the comfort Avi and Scott offered, holding his hands and just being there.

As they approached the grave, Mitch got more and more nervous. His hands got sweaty and he held on to his boyfriends tighter. 

"Are you okay?" Avi asked softly, slowing down. "You don't need to..."

"I need to" Mitch replied. "I need to get closure." 

"I understand" Avi said and fell silent again as they walked up to the grave which was now decorated with flowers and garlands. 

"It looks beautiful..." Mitch spoke up. "All these bright colourful flowers from all the people... Nonna always loved flowers." 

"I know... you always got them for her" Scott said. "Whether you picked them or bought some, at least once a week you brought her some..." 

Mitch smiled when Scott shared this memory. "Even when I moved away, I made sure to have flowers delivered every Friday. She always was so happy, no matter which flowers I got her. She was happy no matter what... she was wonderful."