Vindictive (Complete)

V

    The morning of the funeral. Today is the day that Alex Hunter gets put in the ground, to rest. A few days had passed, giving them both some time to heal. Charlie Cooper had done what he had to, begging Robert to spare him for his outburst. Isaac Axton had done what he had to, moving furniture and trying to keep his mind off it all.
    “You look handsome.” Rose rubs his shoulders, looking at his black suit.
    Isaac holds onto her hand, pressing it into his shoulder.
    “It’s almost time.” Isaac leaves his bedroom with Rose, ready for the funeral.
    “You look beautiful.” Isaac loves Rose’s black dress, like any dress.
    She smiles at him as they take the elevator. Isaac waves at the front desk, who hasn’t forgiven him yet. They enter Isaac’s blue car and make their way down the road. The funeral is taking place in the main graveyard, where he will be laid to rest. The clouds above create a grey sky, but no rain. It had been raining all week.
    They arrive at the funeral, to see several people huddled around, friends and family of Alex. Parking the car, they slowly join the others. Isaac can see Sarah and Emily holding hands next to the coffin, Sarah looks blank. She is now a widow. Emily is crying, holding onto a bouquet of lavender with flowers.
    The pastor stands before the coffin, waiting to begin. Emily tries to place her flower on top of the coffin, but is too short. Sarah lifts her up, so she can place them. Emily cries onto the grave, trying to hold onto the side. Sarah sets her down, and lets the eulogy begin.
    Isaac watches, empty inside. He doesn't know how to continue from here, he is stuck. Emily continues to cry so hard she begins to wheeze, taking a puff from her inhaler. Isaac’s hand begins to tremble, his anger having no escape and no one to give it to. Soon it will just flood out, hurting everyone. He needs a target, someone worthy.
    He turns to the right, spotting a man crying by a tree. He isn’t with the others, but is watching the funeral from a distance. Short white man with dirty blond hair, covered in bruises and cuts. He has two black eyes and a scar across his lips. Charlie had heard about the funeral from Alex’s family friend, who told him the date. Charlie is crying looking at Emily, knowing he had killed her, with a slow and agonizing death. If he could trade his life for hers, he would. The men lock eyes, Isaac and Charlie have never met.
    The eulogy finishes and Charlie takes his leave, walking through the graveyard, into the distance. They lower the coffin into the grave, then following the part of the ceremony where everyone tosses a handful of dirt onto the coffin. Emily kisses her dirt and sprinkles it over the coffin, her little hand shaking. Isaac’s tears fall onto the dirt, which he too, sprinkles onto the coffin. Isaac and Rose go up to Sarah after the funeral.
    “I’m so sorry, Sarah.” Isaac looked her in the eyes, as she cried.
    “Isaac you did so much for our family, and I know Alex would want to thank you.” She looks down, and holds tightly to Emily’s hand.
    Isaac looks at Emily who continues to cry, she will remember this day until she dies.
    “I’m so sorry for your loss Sarah, if there is anything I can do I’ll gladly help.” Rose gives Sarah a big hug.
    Isaac squats down and looks Emily in her hazel eyes.
    “Oh Rose, just be here for us during this time. We miss him so much.” Sarah continues to cry.
    Isaac holds onto Emily’s shoulder and sighs.
    “I promise you, I will find a way to make it right.” Isaac stands up and looks to Sarah.
    They hug and step back, giving each other space.
    “I know they stopped the investigation of your home a few days ago. Would it be alright if I came by for dinner tomorrow, to say goodbye? To look through his things?” Isaac wipes away his tears.
    “Of course, Isaac, you’re welcome anytime.”
    They leave the graveyard and drive back home, going to Isaac’s apartment. Room three twenty-two. They close the door and Isaac begins to take off his suit, tossing it onto the couch.
    “I’m glad we went. I’m sure it made Sarah and Emily feel better.” Rose adds, washing her hands in the kitchen sink.
    “I am too, but I still feel empty. This can’t be the end.” Isaac sits down on the couch, turning on the TV.
    He flips through the channels until he stops on the local news, seeing Edward Smith on the screen. A reporter can be heard in the background, speaking out about what happened and showing still frame photos.
    “The investigation is currently at a stop, the police are still searching for a lead to find who murdered Alex Hunter. Sarah Hunter, his wife now widow, mourned her husband today at the biggest graveyard in the city. She asks for prayers for justice and for him to rest peacefully. Sarah’s daughter, Emily Hunter continues to go to school as normal. Isaac Axton attended the funeral, the man who had found his body-” Isaac turns off the TV and sighs.
    “Is nothing private anymore?” Isaac stands up, seeing Rose leave his room in her comfy clothes.
    “It will be off TV soon. It’s just… well people don’t usually go through this. You’re strong Isaac. I’m proud of you.” Rose hugs Isaac, and sits down on the couch, holding him.
    They watch the clouds move outside the balcony doors for a few minutes, thinking. Isaac doesn’t want it to end like this. He needs something, anything to let it continue. He knows he can never bring him back, but maybe he can make it right, no matter the stakes. The clouds outside move slowly, almost like watching paint dry.
    After a few minutes Isaac kisses Rose on the forehead and stands up, getting ready to shower. He takes off his clothes and turns the water on hot. He stares at himself in the mirror, the face of a man who is lost. He feels powerless, angry, and damaged. The mirror fogs from the heat, slowly concealing his reflection.