Houses streaked by as Abigail stared out the car window, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. Glancing down at her lap where there lay a rather worn piece of paper, she re-read her speech, her throat tightening as she took in the words she, herself had written.
When Jake’s parents had called a week ago, and asked if she wanted speak at the ceremony, she had been completely taken aback. She remembered the conversation clearly, as if it happened a mere few seconds ago, and she found herself re-living it as they neared the church.
“Hello?”
“Hi Abigail, we were just calling to....er- ask if you wanted to speak at his, rather Jake’s funeral.”
“I thought typically only family spoke.....”
“You’re like family to us, Abigail.”
“I don’t know....”
“You meant the world to him and you made his burden easier to bear. Ever since he met you, we noticed a change, he was happier, more willing to accept what was happening inside of him, you made life something worth fighting for.”
“Okay. I will.”
As they neared the church, she closed her eyes, leaning her head on the back of the seat, images of her and Jake swimming in her mind’s eye. She grew so immersed in her memories that she didn’t notice that the soft purring vibrations of the car had stopped.
“Honey, we’re here.” Her mother’s voice entered her thoughts, soft and brimming with love.
She unbuckled her seatbelt with fumbling fingers, her vision blurred with tears. As she got out, she smoothed out her dress, black lace with a black satin band around the waist and black straps. She had worn this dress only one other time before, at her father’s funeral, was it fair that she was here again in less than a year’s time?
Abigail’s mother, who had come around to her side of the car, seemed to read these emotions in her face and engulfed her in a warm embrace. “I’m so proud of you, you’re being so strong.”
“I love you, mom.”
“I love you too, Abby.” She murmured, kissing the top of her head, the way Jake had always done. Abigail closed her eyes, as she did so, trying hard not to let anymore tears escape.
“You got your speech?”
Abigail nodded mutely.
“Are you ready?”
“I’ll never be ready for this....I'll never be ready to say goodbye.”
“I know, I know.” Her mother replied, putting her arm around her shoulder and guiding her towards the church.
As they walked through the beautifully embroidered doorway, Abigail felt like turning back, running to somewhere where Jake was still alive, but her mother’s grip on her shoulder, though gentle was strong. As they entered the church, she and her mother slid into an empty pew, near the back, but they were motioned forwards by Jake’s parents (Mrs. Colton with a damp Kleenex clutched in her hand), who gestured towards two empty seats in the front row. It was only as they walked up the long aisle, a solemn procession of mother and daughter that Abigail noticed the casket sitting innocently in front of the altar, surrounded by flowers. She simply couldn’t bear it, to know that he was so close to her and yet so far away, and she began to cry hysterically as she neared the empty seat. She tried hard to compose herself as she hugged both Mr. and Mrs. Colton, her emotions flooding out of her, before sitting down on the hard, wooden pew, her speech forlornly lying on her lap.
YOU ARE READING
(You are Never) ALONE
Genç Kurgu"Sometimes, when you're trying to find yourself, it takes more than just yourself to do it." It's a story about love, about hardships, about hope, but most of all about finding yourself especially when you never thought it was possible. Because ever...
