Goodbye Susan

Writer's point of view.....

    It was Susan's funeral service and everyone including Jenny, Zain, Harrison, Ethan, Nathan, Tasha, June, Vivian, Thomas, Jenny's Mom and the Reverend were present. No one asked after Owen.

  They were all wearing black and with Black umbrellas and each having a flower. 

  The stretcher wheeled Susan's casket to the city Cemetery as everyone made way for it. Dr Emmanuel was walking behind it. He had black shade which hide his red eyes.

   Jenny's eyes welled up in tears and she sniffed them back.

"You just choose to die"

She mumbled coherently. 

  The stretcher stopped at her grave made for her and the Reverend shook his head sadly.

  He heard what caused her death and wondered if humans are worth anything.

   The headstone read SUSAN ZIDAT 1997 TO 2021. She is just 24 years old and gone so soon. It's a pity she would not grow past the age of 24.

   The hymns were sung and prayers made. The Reverend told everyone the importance of being ready at all times because death can knock whenever it wants.

  The casket was lowered and the grave covered, the only thing left was the presentation of flowers.

   Jenny's mom walked to her daughter's grave and presented her with flowers.

  "Susan dear, we never planned for this. You never mentioned you would be leaving so soon. You remembered when you said you would have kids and we laughed over it. I had much faith in you. I am so sorry you had to go, Rest on my darling. Don't forget that mummy loves you so much."

   She sobbed, wiping her tears from her eyes. She turned and walked back to the crowd. Zain stepped forward and dropped his flower.

   "I never thought you would go so soon. Even though our marriage was never what I wanted yet I loved you. I forgave you for cheating on me and I would not hold it against you. If you can show me where the baby is, I would be the most grateful human on earth. I love you now and forever"

   Zain whispered and then went off into the crowd.

Vivian took a deep breath and stepped forward.

    "You know I am still in shock and I still can't believe you are gone. You are the only friend I've ever had and the one I love so much despite our differences. I don't have the right to question death but if I am given the chance to bring you back to life I will do so. I will make sure to take care of myself and be happy. Don't Forget that this friend of yours will never forget you. You will forever remain in my heart. I love you very much Susan"

   Then she knelt before the gravestone and placed the bouquet in front of her and kissed it. Tears fell down her cheeks and she stood up.

"Goodbye Susan"

  She sniffled and wiped her nose on her sleeve, turned on her heels and ran back to the crowd.

 One of the mourners hugged her to herself,

"I am sorry for your loss, but let me tell you something, no matter how long someone lives,they will die one day"

Vivian looked into her eyes and nodded her head slightly, letting out some sobs. It made her feel better. 

     Everyone else presented their flowers leaving only Jenny to be the last person. She wanted to be the last person, she didn't even know why but felt being the last person to give a sister respect was the right thing.

     She walked slowly and shakily towards the grave with her tears falling nonstop. Everyone had their emotions to deal with so no one could comfort her.

Zain saw how violently Jenny is shaking and rushed to her.

   He grabbed her by her shoulders and forced her to look at him.

"Jenny... take hold of yourself. You don't need to say anything, just place the flower and let's go"

Jenny looked up at him and smiled in her tears. She was wondering how he is doing it, how he is being calm.

"Alright, I will stop crying. Just give me a moment with her, please"

Jenny said and Zain freed her from his hold and stood aside.