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"You have no right to bring her here," Mom points her finger toward Skylar, her voice shaking with anger. "They may share a biological father, but she is not my family in any way. My son is dead!"
"That’s not fair, Olivia. He's my son too." Dad's voice breaks, but I have no sympathy for him.
"No, he's not."
This time, Dad flinches at Mom's harsh tone.
"The moment you decided to stick your dick where it didn't belong just shows how little my son meant to you," Mom says sternly.
This is the first time Mom has spoken to him after discovering his affair. I remember him begging Mom to forgive him, saying that it was a lack of judgment on his part and would never happen again. But Mom's not stupid. She was more hurt by what it did to Seth than herself. I don't recall Dad apologizing to Seth or begging for his forgiveness. Maybe he did it in private, or while I was too busy caring for my brother from the mess our father left behind. Or perhaps I blocked it out of my mind.
Mom looks over to the funeral director with an apologetic expression. “I am so sorry, but can we finalize the plans later today?”
“Yes, of course, Mrs. Pierce. Just call me when you’re ready to proceed.” Mom gently grabs my hand and gives me a small smile, tears glistening in her eyes. "Let's go, sweetheart. I think you've had enough heartache today."
She squeezes my hand reassuringly, and I follow behind her.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Dad sobs, but I don't look back.
I willneverlook back.
ELEVEN
THE FUNERAL
SCAR
The funeral home is packed with people I don't know—faces I've never seen before.
Cause of death? Undetermined. They couldn’t tell much more because Seth's body was decomposing for three days.
Three fucking days.
Over the last few months, Seth drank more and more after our father committed the utmost betrayal. As the months went by, he became distant and avoided our calls and messages. Despite Seth's claims of needing time to deal with everything, Mom had a nagging feeling that something was not right on the day he was found. She couldn't shake the feeling that Seth was in trouble. That's when they found him in bed, with the fan blowing on him and his hands gripping the comforter to his chest. Given his body's state, the medical examiner said he was dead for three days. Hence, the flat black urn in place of a casket. To think my brother was alone when he took his last breath will forever haunt me.
Gemma and I were working the counter at Coffeescape when Mom called, wailing that Seth was gone.
Dead.
He was all alone.
I sit in the dark corner, hiding from reality, watching people give their condolences to my family, wiping tears from their faces as they walk toward the urn where my brother's ashes are contained.
The tears continue to fall with no desire to wipe them away. Soft music plays in the background. Peaceful artwork and inspirational quotes adorn the walls, offering comfort and solace to those in mourning. Several poster boards with pictures of Seth surround his urn. Flowers that will die in a few days are spread throughout the funeral home. Fucking flowers, like they will do anything to sew together my broken heart. Although I mend it with needle and thread, I know that it won't last.
A small remembrance tree sits beside the painting I had created for Seth, and as I gaze at it, I am reminded of the day I presented it to him and can feel the pain of my heartbreak all over again.
Flashback
My heart was beating fast with a mixture of excitement and nerves as I watched Seth carefully unwrap the package containing my painting. It took me weeks to complete, and I was finally ready to reveal it to him. I couldn't wait to see his reaction.
As Seth slowly pulled back the wrapping paper, his eyes widened with surprise. "Skittles, this is freaking incredible," he breathed, turning to me with a wide smile. "You captured everything—the sun, the sky, the sea... and us."
I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. "I'm so glad you like it," I replied.
Seth reached out to touch the painting, his fingers trailing over the textured surface, causing a small smile to form on his lips. "You've captured so much more than just the scenery, Skittles. It's as if you've breathed life into the canvas." Seth whispered, admiration evident in his voice.
Seth trailed his fingers around my face on the canvas. "Your smile made the world shine that day. How excited you were after seeing the dolphins. It's been a while since you smiled that way. And here," Seth continued, pointing to a section of the painting where our silhouettes were intertwined. "That's where our love forever resides, right in this very spot. It feels like you've suspended time, capturing this moment."
