13

Harmony woke up in the morning with a swollen tongue and the bitter taste of stale brandy still in her mouth. She didn't remember going to sleep which could only mean she had consumed one too many drinks. She desperately wanted to get the taste out of her mouth so she crawled gently out of bed and made her way into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Other than her growling belly and her throbbing head she felt better with the taste gone.

As Harmony made her way downstairs she was engulfed by the smell of bacon. Her stomach growled harder as she made her way into the kitchen to investigate. She found James in front of the stove and sat down as he poured the eggs from the pan onto two plates.

"Good morning, you're just in time." He said as he put the plate down in front of her.

"It looks great," she marveled.

"This is the best hangover cure I've found." He explained as he sat down and poured them each a glass of orange juice.

"Eggs scrambled in olive oil with hot peppers, garlic, basil, and salt. Toast lightly buttered loaded with sugar and cinnamon, with bacon slightly crispy." He smiled.

"Oh, you're spoiling me!" she exclaimed as she dug right in.

"It's the least I can do." He shrugged and munched on his toast.

"Thank you for breakfast James." She said as she finished everything on her plate.

"Quite welcome." He smiled and cleared the table.

"I need a shower. I smell like a brewery." She laughed.

"You go ahead and get cleaned up. I'll take care of the kitchen." He offered.

"Thanks," she said as she stood up from the table. "I'll see you in a little bit then."

Harmony made her way upstairs. She locked herself in the bedroom and shed her clothes, kicking them into the corner before heading into the bathroom. The hot water steamed up the mirrors as she stepped into the shower pulling the curtain closed to keep the water from spilling out onto the floor. The heat felt good as she sat down and let it flow over her washing the stink and sweat away. She lathered up rinsed off and shut the water off. She stepped out and wrapped up in a towel before making her way across the room to her closet.

After Harmony dried off she wrapped her hair up in the towel and looked for something to wear. She settled with a white shirt and the navy blue dress suit. As she made her way back to the bathroom she could hear James as he turned on the shower. She smiled to herself knowing that he had done his best to make a sad day start out happy.

The steam had cleared from the mirror. Harmony stared at herself absently as she put on her makeup. Then she dried her hair and checked herself over one last time before gathering up her purse. She nearly collided with James as he came out of the bathroom. He was dressed in an all black suit with pale gray pinstripes. A black shirt, black tie and pinstripe black hat with a white satin ring above the rim finished his outfit.

"You look nice," she blushed.

"You do too," he smiled. They stared at each other for a brief awkward moment.

"We should go," she stammered as she pointed to the stairs and made her way around him.

"Yes, we wouldn't want to be late." He agreed. "Please, after you," he bowed elegantly.

Harmony giggled and blushed again as her heels made a clicking sound down the marble staircase. James held open the door for Harmony and smiled widely as she thanked him. He locked the door behind them and climbed into the car as she turned the key in the ignition. They rode in silence to the funeral home where they were surprised to see a full parking lot.

"Oh my god, I think I'm going to vomit." She said as she got out of the car.

"What's wrong?" James asked.

"There's twice as many people as yesterday." She started to shake. "I can't do this."

"Yes you can. We'll get through this together." He said as he took her hand.

"Thank you for being here James. I don't know what I would have done," her eyes welled up with tears.

"Don't think about it right now. He squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"You're right. Let's get this over with," she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

James held open the door and escorted Harmony inside. Al lat once they were overtaken by the apologetic mourning crowd surrounding them. Most of the people they had met with the day before but Harmony couldn't keep their names straight. Finally the funeral director broke up the commotion.

"We're ready to begin, please take your seats." Thomas Seers directed.

The crowd quieted down and filtered into the viewing room taking their seats. James and harmony made their way to the front of the room and took their seats off to the left of the coffin where Thomas stood at the podium ready to begin.

"John Prichard was a pillar to this community. His death has left us all feeling as if we are standing with one leg in quicksand." Thomas said with genuine sadness.

"But in death we must remember all the good that was his life. John was a key founder of the children's home revitalization project. He single handedly funded the no kill animal relocation shelter and hospital that is run by his widow Harmony Pond." Thomas paused to clear his throat.

"In his life John used his family name and fortune to rebuild five of our city parks. He was active in fundraisers for church homeless shelters, hospitality wards, and so much more. Although he is gone he will not be forgotten. He will live on through the good work he has done for us all." Thomas concluded.

The music began. James stood and was joined by the rest of his band members. They came to the front where Thomas closed the coffin and they each took their place on the side. They lifted the coffin and carried it up the aisle. Harmony followed and waited as they loaded John into the Hurst. They backed away slowly and returned to their respected cars in order to follow the Hurst to the cemetery.

James didn't speak but he held Harmony's hand as she drove along at a slow pace. The Hurst made the final turn onto the paved cemetery road. All those that had chosen to follow parked their cars as James led the way to the empty grave.

The place had been prepared for John next to his parents. As he was laid to rest the sky opened up. The gray overcast clouds relentlessly pounded the mourners with a fierce rain befitting of a funeral. Everyone left except for Harmony and James. They stayed, soaking wet, until the casket was completely covered with dirt. Thomas walked up and handed her an envelope.

"These were with John when he passed on. They belong to you now. May you both find peace." Thomas said.

"Thank you," Harmony replied and then they were left alone.

For a while Harmony just stared between the envelope and the head stone. Finally, James put his arm around her shoulders.

"You're shivering Harm, let's get you home." He said softly.

"Alright," she nodded and handed him the keys.

James ushered Harmony into the car. As he drove she continued to shiver with uncontrolled spasms. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She clutched the envelope close to her chest. She thought to herself that she should be crying. But the tears didn't come. All she could do was stare out the window as the scenery passed by. In that instant the thought crossed her mind: this is what hell feels like.