As the room emptied, Simon wasn’t finished. He let his parents and in-laws have their moment before he approached Emily again. Her hand was cold to the touch and she didn’t move as he ran his fingertips over her hair. Before long he couldn’t see her anymore with the distortion swimming in his eyes. Clenching his jaw, he took Jr. and placed their son on her chest for a moment as he kissed her forehead. Unfortunately, Jr. didn’t know that would be the last time he’d ever be with his mother.
Knowing it was the end, Simon’s face twisted as he looked to her. He barely got the words out, “I don’t want to say goodbye, sweetheart, but we have to go. I’m so…so sorry.” He apologized. Picking Jr. up, he stepped away from her and held their son close. His feet didn’t move because he was having an incredibly hard time leaving her.
Finally, Simon turned, walked away, and strong sobs shook his body. Once he was out of the room, the funeral director’s assistant, closed Emily’s casket, and sealed her inside. The pallbearers carried her to the hearse and slid her in.
A woman, tall, clad in a black jacket, pencil skirt, and lace netting over her face approached Simon. Her high Lou Vuitton pumps clicked across the tile floor and stopped in front of him. She was almost a dead ringer for Emily with her short, styled, blonde hair and fair complexion. A familiar face and coworker he didn’t expect to attend. Dabbing at her cheeks, she nodded to Simon, “I am so sorry for your loss Simon and family. It doesn’t mean much now but I am here for you, for anything you need.” She said with a smile looking at Jr. in his arms, “He’s so precious.” She whispered as she reached over and stroked his shoulder.
Simon sighed deeply, “Thank you, Susan.” He whispered in response.
She then nodded and pulled away, “I’m going to head over with the others. Again, my deepest condolences.” She said before parting.
The funeral director approached the family quietly with his hands clasped together, “We will drive over to the mausoleum now if you all will follow us in your cars. When we enter, you all will escort Emily inside and we will lay her to rest.” He stated holding hand out patiently.
Following directions, they drove over and walked Emily inside with their hands on the top of her casket. Simon saw Cherish for the first time since they’d arrived in the crowd. A part of him wanted to ask her where she’d been, but now wasn’t the right time. A swirl of emotions came to a height for Simon. He felt sick with sadness and wanted the day to end.
Emily’s casket was lowered into the chamber before she workers wheeled her inside. Replacing the marble slab, the man went to work to seal her in and everyone watched in silence. Miriam had quieted down, but the destroyed look on her features never left. Jack watched every motion that locked his little girl away and it finally settled on his shoulders they’d never see her again. Simon thought he’d feel more at peace, but he was filled with an urgent bout of desperation. Emily was being stripped away from him and every cell in his body wanted to fight for her, to bring her back one last time. But, their time was finished. He didn’t move because nothing would change.
She was finally at rest.
Within twenty minutes, the worker was finished and backed away to reveal Emily’s name, date of birth, and date of death. Simon’s panic subsided and left behind a deep, empty hole where she once was. A finality that brought silence of all the lost years Emily could have lived was nothing but a void. Simon felt every bit of that chill.
Approaching her, he placed his hand over her name on the smooth surface. This was the closest they would ever get again. This is what they had to remember her by. Turning away, he exited the mausoleum with his son in his arms. One by one, other people took one final look at Emily’s grave before they too turned their backs. The funeral director spoke to the ones outside and said the family would have a reception lunch in the main dining hall. Most of the guests wandered back and were ready to celebrate Emily’s life.
Soon enough people chatted while photos and videos of Emily played along the wall in the background. People stood in line for food that volunteers doled out and a new type of normal had started. With the funeral over, the healing process was able to begin for everyone affected.
Simon had only taken a few measly bites of food, though he’d done well with the drinks. Jack and Miriam silently ate with Simon Sr. all while Margaret kept her eyes out for a certain woman they still considered family. Picking at her food, she glanced down at Jr. in her arms before she looked to her husband, “Where is Cherish?”
The lack of Cherish’s presence had made Simon feel anxious. Simon Sr. shrugged his shoulder and looked around the crowd before Simon stood and left to seek her out. He checked the bathrooms, the small prep kitchen, and the entrance. He raked his fingers through his hair as he looked from side to side and blew
