07 December 2005

The chairs creaked under the shifting weight of uncomfortable mourners. Solemn faces gazed up at the open casket, some wondering what it felt like to die, and others hoping that the turnout at their funeral was as good as this person's.

The grieving family was front and center, the mother with tear stained cheeks, and a tissue close at hand, while the husband, daughter, and son stood, staring. Everyone in the room knew that the boy had suffered before his death.

Purple flowers stood en masse behind the polished coffin, because it had been his favorite color. His sister had put his childhood teddy bear, a source of great comfort to the boy when he was in the hospital, in his casket when it was her turn.

During the service, strains of “The Phantom of The Opera” floated from a small CD player in the corner, behind the flowers. Everyone knew it had been his favorite musical.

Chairs creaked again as weight was lifted off them, and the floor began to groan as step after step, everyone saw the body.

Everyone knew he was dead.