Together, we Conquer

Reaching Out to a Memory

February 19

Madran and Elia were preparing for the funeral. As normal with Japan traditions, the women dressed in black kimonos or dresses, and the men also dressed in black attire, perhaps to symbolize their mourning for the death. 

"Um, haven't they already done the whole thing?"

"Yes, but we are going to honor the grave. Also, Sheila might be there."

Madran almost put black eyeshadow on, but decided against it, due to her wish to not look like she was trying too hard. After that, Madran said goodbye to Chicory and Elia took her over to where Sheila's grandfather was buried.

"Um... it's kinda my first time going he-"

"Ssh!"

Madran quickly shut up, realizing that talking wasn't her best bet. They were at a very hilly graveyard, and many people were gathered around one grave. Madran looked around while walking with Elia, and spotted Sheila. However, a stern look from Elia prevented her from dashing over to her sorrowful friend.

"Goodness. Look at all of those reporters."

Several men and women were gathered next to Sheila and what Madran assumed were her relatives. They were asking her many questions, and Madran felt sorry for Sheila.

"Gosh. It must hurt to be famous sometimes."

"I'm more worried about the deceased relative."

Madran looked around, and she saw a familiar person.

"Um, it's that Maya gal again."

Madran looked over, seeing that it was indeed the lady who evoked her memories so harshly before. Madran could see that she, along with the other reporters, were wearing normal business suits.

"Saying hi would be too awkward..."

Madran looked over at her, and, to her surprise, Maya looked back. They found themselves staring at each other for a good few seconds, before Maya went back to her job. However, Madran felt a weird feeling in her stomach.

"Anyways..."

Elia and Madran made it to the grave. Elia produced a white envelope from her dress, setting it next to many other similar envelopes. Sheila then noticed them.

"Oh, hi. You came."

Sheila smiled.

"Yeah!"

Madran looked at Sheila, seeing that she was wearing a black kimono, with a dark blue sash tied around the waist. Madran could see the slight amount of despair in her eyes, and looked over to the reporters, who sounded much like chickens softly clucking at the wind.

"Yikes. That's a lot of reporters."

Madran looked down to see a photo of Sheila's grandfather. He looked to be highly Japanese, like Sheila, and the rest of their family. He wasn't wearing glasses, however, which betrayed Madran's prediction of his appearance, due to his career in science.

"He was a beautiful man, from what I heard. His life revolved around his studies and his kids, as they said."

"I feel really sorry for Sheila. Like, yikes."

Madran and Elia hung around, respecting the dead. However, Madran suddenly got a headache.

"Ow..."

"Madran?"

"Migraine. Let's scoot."

Madran and Elia went back to the car, intent on fixing this latest development.