I guess I never thought my first funeral would be my mom. At least not this early.
“It’s the perfect day,” My dad says as we sit in my truck. People are pulling up to the cemetery, and even though I know how amazing my mom was, it’s still crazy to see the number of people here.
“Only the best for Mom,” I mumble, fidgeting with my keychain. I brush my thumb against the cross, perfectly fused to the back.
“Are you ready to go?” He places a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to look at the casket in front of all the chairs. The sun is shining on it, as if she’s sayinghi, letting us know she’s here.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
I jump out of the truck and adjust my suit. My mom would always yell at me because anytime she’d she photos from my hockey games onRockford’sInstagram, my tie would be crooked.
She hated a crooked tie.
“There’s a lot of people here,” I begin.
“A lot of people loved your mom.”
I see a lot of familiar faces and a lot of people I’ve never seen. It’s weird how funerals bring people together. Everyone always talks about weddings being a reunion; people rarely mention how funerals do the same thing with the same people.
“Hey, man.” Declan pats me on the back before pulling me in for a hug. “How’re you doing today?”
“I’m okay,” I respond. I thought it would be a lie, but I feel better today than I have in a while. Everyone was right; I can feel my mom’s presence here.
“Hi, sweetie.” Mrs. Sanderson smiles, placing a hand on my cheek, just like my mom used to. “She loved you so much. No parent talked about their kid as much as your mom talked about you. From the day I met her, you were her greatest pride and joy.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “And thank you for being here.”
“Of course.”
Ember gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand, “We got you, okay?”
I nod.
Every person I love is here. Well, almost every person. All of my friends are here. My coach and the team are here. There are even people I’ve never even seen before coming up and telling me they're sorryfor my loss.
But the only person I can think about is the one I pushed away. The one who trusted me enough to be open and honest about her own struggles, but the second I’m in her position, I pull back.
I hurt her. I wouldn’t blame her if she never forgave me. I told her I never loved her. That our relationship meant nothing, all because I blamed her for something that wasn’t her fault.
“Avalon?” my dad questions.
“She’s not coming,” I mumble.
“No, she’s here.”
I look up and see her walking up with Jay. My body is overrun with emotion.
“Mr. Harris.” I’ve missed her voice. I thought I needed to hear my mom’s voice, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear Avalon’s.
“Avalon,” he hugs her, “thank you for coming.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” she replies. “Elise was a special lady. I’m thankful that I got to meet her.”
“You brought a lot of light into her final months, Avalon. Thank you.”
“How are you doing, kid?” Jay shakes my hand while placing another firm hand on my shoulder.
“I’m alright,” I reply. “Thank you for coming.”