What People Don't See ✔️ | Hailee Steinfeld

15 - The Funeral

Hailee had been home for 2 days. They were going to have a funeral for Griffin today. They had had Griffin cremated and they put his ashes in a ceramic race car. The whole family had met on one of Griffin's favorite race car tracks.

All of the family members each took a moment to say a few words to Griffin. Then, Pete would sprinkle a bit of his ashes on the runway. It was now Berlin's turn to say something.

"Griffin. You were the best brother I had ever had. I loved it when you teased me and would play games with me. Even if it was a little bit mean. Even though you aren't here with us on Earth anymore, you will always hold a special place in this family and in our hearts."

They sprinkled a bit of ash.

Now it was Pete's turn. "Son. You were truly a light in our lives. You always knew how to make people laugh and knew what people wanted to hear when they were sad. You were the most caring soul I had known. Ever since you were little, you would always check up on Hailee and your friends. So many people were touched by your love. And now that you are gone, I am still touched by your love. I hope that I can learn from you and can share your love with the world too. I love you Griffin."

More ash was spread on the run way. Cheri wanted to speak next.

"Honey. I'm here. I know you and Hailee had prepared what you would do to keep me and your dad going if Hailee died young. I know that the part you were most worried about was your dad and I grieving for the rest of our lives and not being able to recover. But, I assure Duke, we will be just fine now that you are gone. I once read a quote from Dr. Seuss that said 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.' Griffin, your whole family and I are smiling through the pain because we were able to have you in our lives. We were so lucky that you were in our lives. So darling, if you're up there, you can rest now. We'll be just fine."

Cheri got a small handful of ash and sprinkled it. Hailee was the last to speak.

"Griffin, you saved me. Even if it was involuntary, your death was what gave me a heart. I'm cured Griffin. We did it! None of this would be possible without you. I wish that you were here but I know I'll see you again one day. Thank you for the heart and all the memories. You really were the best. You'll never be forgotten. I think it's time to say goodbye. I love you Griff."

Hailee took the ceramic that held Griffin's ashes and sprinkled the rest on the runway. With that, the family went their own ways.

(500 words)