How to Mourn the Dead

First, she takes her best black dress and slips it over her body. She applies crimson red lipstick to her lips with precision and delicacy. She does the same exact thing with waterproof mascara and eyeliner for her weary eyes. She looks older than she really is when it's clear she's been crying and she wears makeup, but she's only nineteen. It's important that the makeup is waterproof for this occasion. She brushes out her long brown hair and straightens it with an iron. Heat rises from the iron as it slides down each and every strand of her locks. She looks in the mirror one last time at her darkened appearance, and the sad expression permanently etched in her facial features. In her purse she places inside the objects; make up, a package of tissues, in case it needs to be reapplied, and mint lifesavers. The lifesavers can sometimes be a good distraction, she's attended various funerals before.
When arriving at the funeral home the first thing she does is write her name in the guest book. When she finishes she walks gracefully down the path where people she knows, close relatives, greet her one after another. It's important to hug and give your condolences to each person you encounter. Don't cry, you'll only make people more upset. Don't make a scene. Don't overreact, it's just a funeral. When she finishes hugging everyone that she knows she's finally made it up to the casket. She kneels down, careful not to ruin her dress. She blesses herself and pays her respects to the newly deceased likes she's done so many times before. Do, stay collected still. You don't want people to believe you to be crazy. She says her prayers and she kisses the cold skin of her deceased. She herself feels cold and her bottom lip quivers as two crystals of water escape her eyes just to slide down her cheeks and warm her. Her heart aches, and the pain almost feels unbearable, but she holds herself together the best that she possibly can. If a few stray tears are to escape you, this is the only acceptable time you may cry. Nothing more, nothing less. She's said her peace now, and she stands just as gracefully as she kneels before she turns and walks away. She will wait for everyone else to pay their respects before she follows the line of cars to the graveyard. There she will throw a handful of dirt on top of the casket, and watch her once warm loved one get lowered into the cold unforgiving ground. When she's finally alone she will finally cry. This is the most appropriate time to cry, when you're alone and away from people who will think you're overreacting. She will cry and she will scream, and everything she did to prepare herself to look perfect won't matter anymore. She's lost a lot of loved one's throughout her life, you'd think she'd be used to it by now. Lastly, rely on time to heal you, and return to your normal daily routine. Remember, it's just a funeral.