The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 6: Familiar Name

Quinn’s POV.

“Are you finished, Quinn?” Mom asked as she knocked on the door.

She walked in and examined my appearance in the mirror. Then, she smiled and held my arm when she confirmed I was done preparing.

“Shall we go?”

I only responded with a short nod and followed her out the door. When we came downstairs, we found Dad sitting on the couch, drinking his coffee and waiting for us. We were all dressed in white. The only difference was that I was the only one who was wearing sunglasses to conceal my swollen eyes.

Alora’s funeral will be held today. Her wake lasted only for a day due to her parents’ wishes. They didn’t want to send Alora away, but they wouldn’t be able to accept her loss if they kept seeing her in a coffin.

“We have to leave right now,” Dad said as he stood up and picked up the car keys. "They must be waiting for our arrival.”

They went outside first, while I remained immobile. I looked around our house until my gaze was drawn to a picture frame above the piano. I walked up to it and took it. As soon as I saw a photo of the three of us, tears streamed down my cheeks. 

Pracy, Alora, and I… 

We were happy at the time. We used to play the piano together and sleep over at each other’s houses. That’s how we clicked and became best friends. But it hurts that only Pracy and I can do everything that the three of us used to do.

“Quinn Emerald, hurry up!” Mom called me from outside, which brought me back to reality.

I set down the picture frame I was holding and went outside. I got into the car, and Dad took the wheel. Somehow, I’m glad I’m with my family and we’re complete. I’m grateful that I can spend time with them even if only for today. 

Due to heavy traffic, we reached Alora’s house after one and a half hours of driving. They were preparing to leave when we arrived. All of my classmates were present as well. We missed school today in order to attend Alora’s funeral. Our professor excused us, and the principal graciously agreed.

Mommy tapped me on the shoulder, causing me to turn to face her.

“You can go to your classmates.”

Perhaps she noticed me staring at my classmates. I shook my head and flashed a feeble smile.

“There’s no need, Mom. I’m fine here.”

“It’s also fine with me and your father if you come with them. So, go now, and don’t think about us,” she insisted.

I couldn’t resist her, so I nodded and walked over to my classmates. They greeted me as I approached, but Pracy did not, instead gazing at me from the corner.

Everyone began to walk when the car in which Alora was lying commenced to move and led the way. My heart sank as I escorted my best friend to her final destination. At the moment, the only sounds I can hear are the sad songs and the loud cries of the people. 

I held back tears on the side while Pracy was right next to me. I wanted to console her, but I couldn’t because we haven’t made up yet. 

When we arrived at the cemetery where Alora would be buried, her parents sobbed and wept even louder. I pitied Auntie Rafaela and Uncle Rick. I’ll never understand how much it hurts them to lose their only daughter because I’ve never been a parent. The thought of losing a loved one is frightening, and I never want to go through it. I wonder how they will be able to return to their normal lives, where they will only think about themselves after everything has happened.