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Silence fell among us. My aunts glared at us but allowed Mo and William to lead them away. Jessa turned to us. She took off her sunglasses and wiped her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m really happy to see you both.”
She kissed our cheeks and followed her family back to the rest of them. I stood there for a moment watching. Seventeen years had passed, and nothing had really changed. Maybe we shouldn’t have come here. Part of me was hoping to mend things, but it was clear that there was nothing to mend, at least not with Sheila and Glenda. I’d be open to fixing things with our cousins, but that was about it.
“Get back in the car,” I said to Bella and Martin.
“You don’t want to stay?” he asked.
“Nah, man.”
All I wanted to do was get home and away from this suit. I didn’t want to think about family. I didn’t want to think about death or a funeral. All I wanted right now was peace of mind.
After dropping Bella and Martin off at home, I headed toward my house. I was deep in thought when I came upon the cemetery where my parents were buried. I hadn’t been to visit them in a while, and today, I needed to be close to them. All the contemplating I’d done the last few days had them heavy on my mind.
I thought about how I would have retired them both from work now that my business practically ran itself. I thought about sending them on many much-deserved vacations. I thought about them with Precious and how much they would have loved to spoil her. I could see my mother letting her get away with shit we would have been punished for. I could see my father slipping her money when Bella and Martin weren’t looking. She would never know them. My kids would never know them.
It was sad, and the feeling was very overwhelming.
Pulling into the parking lot, I pulled off my jacket and button-up, leaving me in my undershirt and slacks. I climbed out of the truck and treaded through the gate and the familiar path to their grave sites. We were lucky enough to get them plots right next to each other. Once a month, Bella and I came out to ensure everything was clean. We’d bring fresh flowers and just sit with them for a while. Even if no words were spoken, we just sat there.
I approached the graves slowly. Closing my eyes, I said a quick prayer, then stooped to kiss their headstones. I stepped in between the spaces and took a seat on the ground.
“I know it’s been a little while,” I said, pulling at a few blades of grass. “I’m sure you were looking down at the mess that took place a little while ago. I went there with good intentions, I swear.”
I chuckled. I felt like a kid again, trying to explain myself to avoid getting in trouble. There were a few times that worked in my favor growing up. I must have sat between my parents for a good thirty minutes. I didn’t say much. Honestly, I just wanted to be close to them. I could always feel their spirits surrounding me when I came here. I just wanted to bask in that for a little bit. Once I’d gotten my fill, I stood and dusted off my pants. These would probably have to go to the cleaners because I was sure there were grass stains.
I trekked the path back toward the front gate. As I was walking, I saw a woman sitting on a bench in front of two large headstones. With her were flowers and what looked to be party balloons. White bricks sectioned off the plot she occupied. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the woman was Pasha. That’s when I remembered she told me her parents were buried out here as well. I guess we both needed to be near our parents today.
I slowly walked over so as not to alarm her. When I stepped on a twig, it cracked, and her head snapped in my direction.
I raised my palms. “It’s just me.”
“Callum.” She quickly wiped her teary, red eyes and sniffled. “You went to the funeral?”
“I went, but I didn’t stay. I should have listened to my first mind telling me to stay home.”
She stood and walked over to me. “That bad?”
“Bad enough.”
She reached out and gently rubbed my arm. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. If it’s meant to be worked out, eventually, it will.”
“Were you visiting your parents?” she asked.
“Yeah... They’ve been heavy on my mind since I got the news of my uncle’s passing. I figured I’d come see them.”
“Are you feeling better?”
“I am.” I looked behind her at the balloons and flowers. “What’s the occasion?”
“Oh, that? Well, the flowers are for my mom. The balloons are for my dad. Today would have been his birthday. Every year, I bring a cupcake and sing them Happy Birthday. I know it’s silly—”
I shook my head. “It’s not silly at all. If it gives you comfort, it has a purpose.”
“Most days I come out here, it’s for comfort. Today, I just needed to talk to my parents.”
