AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There’s the occasional muffled sob.
Mac is like a statue as he stares at the casket.
I’m holding myself steady, forcing my mind to stay in a game-like state.
I’m so focused that I don’t realize someone has stepped up next to me.
When I realize I’m now not alone, I almost let out a scream.
My brain instantly envisions that someone has risen from the dead as a brain-hungry zombie and they’re going to attack me.
Of course none of that is true.
I turn my head and there’s Willow.
Ward’s sister.
Kind of nerdy. Kind of pretty.
Her hair is messy. She’s wearing big, bug-like, black sunglasses.
Her thin lips curl down into a small frown.
Her chin quivers. Her lips start to shake.
She’s feeling the same way I feel about being here.
I’m not sure I’ve really spoken to Willow before.
But here she is, standing next to me.
I have no idea what I’m doing or why I’m doing it… but I reach with my right hand and take Willow’s left hand.
I interlock my fingers with hers.
We’re holding hands.
Two strangers at a funeral.
But, hey, you know what… it’s nice not to feel alone right now.
37
JAX
I end up alone outside with Mac.
He’s in his suit, his tie loose.
Holding a bottle of beer, staring out into space again.
I just stand next to him for a little bit. I don’t say a word.
Something people don’t realize too often is that sometimes you just need to be present. No words. No jokes. No trying to give advice or compare yourself to the person.
Just stand there and shut up.
Mac hands me the beer bottle. “Have a drink, man.”
