In Death Loved

Story told by: Emanuel Woods
1845 - 1880

The Year 1852, I was a seven year old, quite, and happy boy. I lived with my family in White Chapel, London England. My family was well known as those who established the funeral home and morgue which dealt with the residential incoming of deceased.

It wasn’t a pleasant world to grow up in as my father and his father worked timelessly on clients and kept me away from seeing the grim process of beautifying the dead. My mother spent most of her time with me, taking me to the park to play while she read her book.

I spent most of the time playing alone. And then I saw her, Anna-Maria Christianson, her family is our wealthiest clientèle they use our services and encourage their other friends. It’s strange that people will talk about a funeral morgue to other people, and yet they did. Also they supported the family, from what I'd heard anyway.

Anna-Maria was a very beautiful brunette with blue eyes. I remember trying to get her to play with me, or talk to me. I was very shy, and even so, she seen me, and we began to play. Our mothers talked to each other.

There was some times where something terrible would occur to me. I would suddenly begin to gasp, and clutch at my heart. It scared my mother terribly. She would race over to me, and find me withering in pain, not knowing what is causing it at all. Anna would leave then. I never knew what I was suffering from though it would eventually go away after a moment of resting. I would have trouble running, my chest and heart would hurt me greatly.

This would happen to me often, and my mother and father would be worried about me. They didn't know what was causing it. Eventually my trips to park cut down in fear of my health I didn't see Anna much after that, and it was until I turned eight that my parents took me to the hospital. We found out that I had heart disease.

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That was the horrid turning point in my life. The doctor had me laid up for a while in hospital yet I was taken home and told not to do anything too straining or physical work. My childhood was melted down to being trapped indoors and only allowed to walk about the house.

Outside walking long distances was cut out too. So was running, jumping and any other exhausted exercise I could do wasn’t allow. I spent days inside up in our house with mother studying, talking, and doing some basic chores that wasn’t a strain on me. Though I was missing Anna-Maria I didn’t know when I’ll see her again.

“Mother, will Anna-Maria come visit me?” I asked her from time to time. She never seem to answer most of the time all I got was, “I don’t think she will,” she said of course my memories of her soon faded away. Of course as I grew older things got bleaker for me and my family.

At age nine my parents left me with grandfather to keep the business going while they taken much needed break together. They went on a river boat ride which ended in tragedy. That day soon added onto the more pain I was suffering before with my heart. Losing my parents was the coldest blow I had ever received. My vision on living had changed as now, and yet my liking for the dead began.

At age ten, I finally drifted downstairs to see what really goes on that my parents and grandfather be keeping me from seeing. My grandfather was busy upstairs not seeing me stray away into the lower half of the place. We had a basement that was the morgue which was vented out so the smell wouldn’t stink the place out. I was a little scared at first I entered the darkness of the basement I did have a lamp to light the room up. There were several operation tables with cloths draped over dead bodies.

As I walked along the small narrow room lined with tables, I could see the bare feet tag with the names on it. “At least this don't look too disturbing,” I thought yet as I walked over to one and decided to see what’s underneath. I gasp at first to see rather dead scared face and notice the fact there was no clothing underneath. I jumped back hitting table behind me and an arm fell out.

“Oh god, this is scary!” I said out loud as I ran away from them yet I tripped over and my lamp crashed to the floor and I sprawled over one of the tables sending it crashing to the floor. The lamp flames started a small fire as I laid there for a short time before realizing my hands were touching a dead persons head.

Though I felt a sudden jolt shot through my arms and into my head then a series of words forming a sentence like the person was talking to me. My eyes widen as I tried to pull away but I couldn’t until the speaking ended, upstairs my grandfather was searching for me then he started to smell smoke and rushed downstairs.

“Stop it! Let me go!” I cried to myself my eyes watering as the fire was branching from table to table eventually I pried myself from the body and rushed upstairs “Grandfather!” I said I ran into him grabbed me and pulled me aside to see the fire. “What did you do!!” he cried as the smoked billows up into the first floor.

I was too scared to speak we rushed into the back yard. He rushed towards the well started dragging up buckets water and runs back inside while I was starting to feel pain in my heart and my breathing. I collapse on the ground choking and trying to settle down.

Eventually I passed out I thought that was when it all ended. It wasn’t until a while later I woke to find myself in hospital. “Grandfather?” I said faintly as I could see him beside my bed. “Emanuel, I want to know why you were down there?” he said. I didn’t know what to say, I done something terribly wrong that could destroyed our house and business. I just looked at him my eyes were watery as I shed tears.

“I’m sorry!” I croaked out. He looked at me and sighed. He placed his hand on my head toying with my dark blue and black hair.

“I see Emanuel is awake, remarkable for a boy suffering from heart disease.” The doctor said.

“How bad is the damage, Grandfather?” I asked faintly.

“It’s not too bad. I’m very disappointed in you. Emanuel, you almost lost our home and business. Now I need to find the money to get the place repaired,” he said harshly. I frowned and pulled the blankets over my head.

“You just wish I died, don’t you, grandfather?” I cried underneath the blankets.

“No, I don’t wish that to happen to you my dear grandson,” he said as he pulled the blankets away revealing my tear stained face.

“Mr. Woods I think you better give your grandson a break. It was an accident I’m sure he wouldn’t do this on purpose,” the doctor said giving me a wink.

“I guess so Doctor,” my grandfather said as he watches the doctor leave.

“I guess Aunty Fran will be taking care of us until I get the Christiansons to give some extra cash for the damages,” he said looking at me.

“Can we go now?” I asked.

“Okay,” he replied and left me alone. Aunty Fran lived not far from where lived so she always wants us to come over and stay couple of days. I been there a lot she was quite nice to me.

“Well, Emanuel, we better get going before it gets dark,” my grandfather said as I was allowed to leave the hospital. We climbed into a carriage outside and traveled to Aunty Fran’s house. During that time my mind had been spinning the words that came from the dead person's mind into my own.

As you can see that’s where it started. I remember that day occasionally yet I now find this gift to be useful to me. My vision on life is closed to the house that I’m in and my friends are the bodies that lay in our morgue. We got the place repaired yet lost all support from the Christiansons leaving me and my ill grandfather struggling to maintain business.

The year 1880, I’m 34 years old and surprised to be still alive barely as I maintain and did less movement. My grandfather did a lot of the work I just assisted when needed though I could see my grandfather wasn’t going to be around much longer.

Soon the dreaded day came when he was laid up in his bed I stood over him. I was pale since lack of sunshine brace my flesh and grown small goatee on my chin. “Grandfather, you’re going to a wondrous place,” I said holding his hand. “Emanuel, I wish you stop praising the after life as perfect. It’s not as great as living,” he said his rather dead looking eyes looked at me.

“Is there anything you desire me to do for you after you die?” I asked. During that time I had been reading that the dead people's minds are remarkable that remnants of thoughts, fears and dying wishes left behind. I took them all in one by one and did best I could to make them go to heaven guilt free and spirited.

“Emanuel, I wont you to go outside and experience the world while you're still breathing. Stop sitting in the dark, find someone to carry your beacon of light show you everything.” he said as he coughed a bit.

“No, I can’t. I find darkness is my habitat. I’m not going out into the dangerous world and end up dying in the streets alone,” I said and let go of his hand. He looked at me horrified as I stared coldly back at him “Was that your dying wish?” I said as I leant over his withering bed ridden body.

“Please make sure I’m buried according to my will,” he chocked as he laid down flat coughing violently. I turned and walked away grabbing the will off the table near the door and closed it. “Alone after all these years, I won’t leave this place. Why does grandfather want me to?” I looked over his final words and then notice he wants the white coffin.

We had set aside special coffins for us when we die. I always wanted the white one yet at this point I think I'll betray him by giving him the black one instead. I went over to the storage door and opened it to see the coffins lying inside waiting to be used. “You’re not taking my one away grandfather,” I said to myself as I pulled the over out of the room and along and laid it on the ground. I could still her him wheezing and that in the bedroom though I ignored him.

“My sweet bed of peace,” I said as I walked into the storage room and went to the white coffin that laid there. I remember how much time I spent polishing it and it shone beautifully. It was delicately crafted with two lids the top lid a had large silver crucifix on the white ivory wood lid then the other half was a glass plated window full length of the coffin so you can see the person inside lying the velvet interior lining with a pillow to match.

It was beautiful and soft, my dream slumber was to be in this coffin forever. I soon closed the lid after running a hand along the interior feeling its sweet silkiness.

“I better go see if Grandfather finally dead,” I uttered to myself as I left the storage room closing the door. “Emanuel…” he croaks before sudden fall of silence.

“Yep he is gone.” I said as I hauled the black coffin into the room and placed it down gently and look at him.

“I hope you're not alive still,” I uttered quietly as I went over and taken his pulse and smirk to myself.

“Good bye, grandfather you will see how wonderful being dead is,” I said with a small laugh. Though my mind was reeling over the secrets and dying wishes of the dead souls in the basement. They all want different things most of them a clear conscious and be free to leave the earth.

Though some want a lover or someone they knew to be taking care of their funerals. We do get bodies that become hard to identify and it can be quite disturbing task of making them recognizable. Yet when a person thinks they died there is always bits of memory left behind I can gather from their minds.

Dare I see whether grandfather knows which coffin I’m placing him in? Maybe not. I didn’t dawn on me that tomorrow was my 35th birthday the fact my heart I could feel it slowly constricting as I clutch it. “Oh I better…find someone to take care of my demise,” I thought though how was I’m going to get grandfather out of bed into the coffin and taken away.

There I stood for a moment then thought of who could I get here to help though it relies on me going outside even though I fear it. Being hermit for so long the outside world isn’t easy to step out into.

“You have to go and get help as much as you don’t wish to leave,” I said to myself. It was then I heard the downstairs door bell clang which made me jump a little yet I saw this as perfect option to get grandfather’s body away. I walked downstairs into the funeral home area and answer the door.

“Yes, may I help you?” I said looking at the two men as they wheel a body into the building.

“We have this dead body for you to tend to. Name is Anna-Maria Christianson. Found at her home dead, it's believed to be an accident or murder. The police looking into it,” The man said. I gasped at the fact Anna-Maria’s beautiful body is no longer of this world.

“We need you to tend this body in your morgue until family members come,” The man said as he looked at me.

“Before you go, can you please take my grandfather’s deceased body, please?” I asked. The men looked at each other as I clutch my heart.

“Please, I’m in no condition to do anything due to my heart disease,” I said softly in raspy breath.

“OK, Mr. Woods, shows us the way, we will take care of him.” They said as they somewhat took note of my sickness.

I lead them upstairs and into the bedroom where my grandfather’s body occupied the bed.

“Here he is. There’s the coffin you can take him in.” I asked whipping my nose on a handkerchief.

“Is there anything we need to know about his funeral, Mr. Woods? Will you be throwing one for him?” The man asked as they pulled the covers back revealing my grandfather's body.

“I have his instructions here. Take him to this cemetery and have him cremated please,” I said handing the note to the man once the put my grandfather’s body in the coffin.

“You won’t be accompanying us?” One asked as they lift the coffin off the ground.

“No, unfortunately. I just want him taken away and cremated please.” I said since my mind wanted me to see Anna-Maria.

“OK, Mr. Woods, we will take care of it. I do hope the business will pick itself out of the gutter.” The other side as they carefully headed downstairs.

“I hope so too, even though I could die anytime soon but thank you for your help.” I said kindly.

“No problem, Mr. Woods.” The man said as they loaded the coffin into the back of there carriage.

“I’ll pay you for the service I got some money,” I dug into my pocket pulled out my money bag and plucked couple of pounds out.

“Here take this, please.” I said offering it to them.

“Do you want his ashes, Mr. Woods?” the man asks taking the cashing from my hand. “Yes please.” I said softly looking a little sad-like.

“OK, we will bring the ashes back. You can place them in one of the urns you own.” The man said as they climbed into the carriage and started riding away.

“Perfect timing.” I thought as I closed the door to the shop.

Upon the table left in the foyer Anna-Maria laid I pulled back the sheet and marvel over her beauty. I have to admit my fetish for dead woman seems more alluring when they are alive yet I was hoping to see her not like this.

“Oh, Anna-Maria, what happened to you?” I said as I ran a hand over her face and down her chest to her stomach. I noticed the large bruise on her head though I couldn’t see anything major also some red marks around her neck.

“Hmm, I don’t feel much of a pulse. Let’s see what you’re holding inside your mind.” I said as I gently placed my hands on either side of her head.

My crush on her was so long ago that my heart became closed to love, yet as I held onto her head I felt the massive exhaustion of thoughts flown into my mind. I shut my eyes and watched the treachery of what occurred to Anna-Maria.

The scenery went by fast in moody blue and black images I could see her being shaken and slung to the floor by someone. She was screaming as she stumbled out of the door towards a set of stairs and tumbled down them hitting the floor.

My eyes flew open as I let out a horrified cry as my hands shook violent as more and more of mind, secrets and memory flash into my head. My heart rate was climbing as I tried to prey myself away before I was pushed too far.

“Ahh!” I cried as I let go and stumbled backwards panting I sat down in a chair as my head was filled with her screaming.

“Oh my god, what happened?” I said to myself as I could hear my heart slowly returning to standard pulse. I took careful breaths before resting my eyes looking at her body

“I gained all her memories, but why?” I thought as I eased myself out of the chair and over to the table. Looking over Anna-Maria’s body I was having a hunch something about her seems alive in a way.

“She can’t be dead…is she?” I thought yet I had other matters to tend to. After recovering her body over with a silk sheet I searched for an urn to store my grandfather’s ashes in.

Time went by that day as I tried to finish up what was left to do before the men came back. Though I had decided to leave Anna-Maria downstairs as I went upstairs contemplating what my grandfather said along with the memories I received from Anna mind.

“Something isn’t right. After all the times I did this I never received so much at once. Unless there is a reason,” I thought as I sat down on my bed.

My mind was so clouded with the images of her past some of which occur where I could see me through her eyes. “No. please…” I cried to myself as childhood I had with her resurrected along with the feelings I had I wanted to forget.

The days in the park we had played over in my head even the moments where I was in pain I could tell she feared for my life. Fear is something that’s been with too long every other emotion had fled me and I never know what it feels like.

Then I heard Anna-Maria's voice, “Please help me! You’re the only one who can!” She said over and over in my mind as she was talking to me. Then my grandfather’s speech about finding someone to carry on with entered and then it was a relay of her cries and his words along with the images.

This soon caused sudden burst of feeling into me as I screamed, “Stop!!” then fell back across the bed panting hearing my word echoing about my head and room. All I could hear is my breathing as I felt my hands sweat and my forehead I grabbed my handkerchief out of my pocket and wipe my face.

“I need a drink,” I said to myself as I sat up before getting off the bed. A much needed glass of water is what I consumed as I sat at the table alone. I eyed the newspaper my outlet to knowing what’s going on outside world.

I pulled it over to me and read the cover headline Anna – Maria Christianson murdered. Killer possibly still on the loose. “Oh they didn’t find out whom had done it. Yet I got her body...” I said to myself as I read into the article.

“Ms. Christianson's body was found at the bottom of the stairs in her home by police after her maid made the cry for help. It is said that she heard a struggle and a lot of noises yet couldn’t get to Mrs. Christianson due to being locked in the basement. Though escaped out the cellar and ran to the neighbour’s house to report of the break in.

The Christianson’s family is now waiting for possible information on their daughter’s condition. After been taken to hospital and looked over it’s believed she was dead due to the head injuries and being choked.

A search by the police had been put out to find her attacker and possible murderer that are responsible for her death. Though since no identification has been made, the search was canceled until someone can come forward and give vital information on the incident.”

“The killer is on the loose…” I said to myself then I realize what has occurred. I hold the major clues and secrets to Anna-Maria’s life up until now including her death along with everything else.

“I must help her…I must respect her request,” I said as I stood from the table and walked downstairs over to where her body laid.

As I walked over to her it was then sudden knock at the door made me jump slightly.

“Who is it?” I said as I approached the door and opened it.

“Mr. Woods, we have your grandfather’s ashes here,” The man said with an urn in hand. “Thank you for everything,” I said taking the urn.

Being connected to all the undertakers that deliver the bodies and that to us help a lot for me. Though the business is in serious debt we were suffering without a large profit flowing in. Even with the Christianson’s with drawing their business with us after my parents died.

You think we be used a lot, but we do have our oppositions though to rival with. Though I do think they did it cause of me or some other reason I don’t know of.

“We will be going now, Mr. Woods. Take care.” The man said as they left me at the door holding the urn. As they left, the sun was slowly drifting down over the house roofs night was settling in.

“Tomorrow is my birthday. I think this will be my last,” I said quietly closing the door and placing the urn down on the table. The wise words from my grandfather was picking in my closed mind.

“Stop sitting in the dark, find someone to carry your beacon of light and show you everything,”

I looked over at Anna-Maria’s body. “I'll help you. I’ll try, I can’t promise.” I said yet I heard her response in my head.

“You have to help me you're my only chance,” She said.

My eyes widen at the fact she was talking in my mind even though I wasn’t touching her. My feelings were mix feeling the cold hard wall I had been on feeling total sadness and depressed was slowly being taken down.

“I better go and sleep,” I thought as I went over to Anna-Maria’s body pulled the sheet back to see her face again. “Goodnight...” I whisper brushed my hand against her face before walking upstairs.

I was feeling quite tired though it was early evening yet quite dark inside the house lighting some of the gas lamps to illuminate the room. I went over to a draw and opened it inside my will or my dying wishes and held them in my hands.

“If only I could get someone to fulfill them. I can die like a happy man,” I said. Before I went to sleep I had my meal, shower and then collapse into my bed pulling the covers over me. The moment I closed my eyes the vague images of my own subconscious was effected heavily by Anna-Maria’s visions.

Downstairs unaware to my knowledge Anna-Maria’s body was starting to move. Small movements underneath the sheet before her eyes flung open to see the darkness. Upstairs I was lying still before the images started flooding in.

I was standing in Anna-Maria’s bedroom everything was the moody blue and black colours. Not far from me Anna-Maria was in her nightgown brushing her hair before she settles into bed. Though it was then my eyes caught someone entering through the door. It was then the horrid attack happened Anna-Maria screamed as she tried to escape yet was grabbed by the neck.

“You will die!!!” the killer cried as he shaken her violently. Her screaming and gasping filled my head yet I tried to move towards them yet then Anna-Maria broken away for a moment and headed out the door then the whaling scream and serious of loud noises.

“No!!!” I cried as I finally moved towards the door way yet the killer had been standing at the top of the stairs. I tried to get a close look of the killer yet his back was turn to me then he disappeared.

“No!!! Stop!!” I cried as I soon woke up from my deep sleep sweating and breathing heavily. I sat up holding my head with one shaky hand the other supported me body.

“I need some water.” I said to myself I stumbled out of bed to the bathroom and filled the sink and then submerge my head into it. My eyes remaining open and air bubble escape my mouth then I pulled out before I became relaxed.

“I must some how find the missing pieces. There somewhere in there but how?” I thought then dried my face and wander back to my room.

For the rest of the night I was awake, my mind was too alive with images that scare me. Unusual that this would be scary compare to what I seen. Maybe because someone I knew was in danger and I’m being thrown into the ring to make it right. How come none of her family came here to see her? Do they even though her body is downstairs waiting for them?

It didn’t make sense at all. Though my eyes soon closed and eventually fallen asleep again. Soon the winter sun shone through the curtain slips on the window lighting the room up and tickling my eyes to wake up.

“My last day, soon I’ll be in sweet slumber. Alone sadly… the one I want to throw my funeral is dead,” I said. Yes, I was hoping the Christianson’s had a heart to take care of the business yet they abandoned us and now I don’t have anyone to see me off. I sat up in bed and looked in the mirror at my weak bleak self.

“I better get up and see Anna-Maria body,” I said as I climbed out of bed. By the time I reached down stairs my eyes and heart were met with a horrid shock.

“Anna!” I said as I rushed over to the empty table.

“No, where are you?” I said as I collapsed against the table.

“You weren’t dead…” I said quietly as my mind. After I went back upstairs, got dressed and had some food. I picked up the paper from yesterday and eyed the article over again “I must brave my fear of the outside world. For Anna’s sake, then she can send me off when I die,” I thought then headed downstairs.

The moment I reached the front door I was shaking. I never venture outside much except for shopping which I haven’t done in a while. Then again Aunty Fran visits me with baskets. “Come on you can do this.” I said over and over as I opened the door to the sunlight my mind had vision.

“Emanuel, come play with me.” Anna-Maria said. It was a scene from when we were young and playing together in the park. I watched carefully and I noticed the older Anna in the distances looking lost.

“Find me, Emanuel Help me!!” She mouths then starts fading away.

“Anna!!” I cried as I woke up to see some people walking by looking at me. I soon closed the door behind me and wander over to the street curb.

“How am I going to get her?” I looked up and down the street. I was in need of a carriage ride to the park yet my luck must been on my side.

“Oh my, Emanuel you're outside!” Aunty Fran said as she pulled up her carriage to my door.

“Aunty Fran, I need your help!” I said as I jumped into the back.

“Are you OK? You’re terrified of stepping outside the front door,” She said as she started the carriage up again.

“To the park, Aunty, this is important.” I said as I watched her drive the horses along the streets.

“Why, Emanuel?” She asked as we raced through the streets.

“You heard about Anna-Maria’s murder. Well what if I say she isn’t dead!!” I said over the noise of the trotting along.

“What you mean she is alive?” she asks. How could I tell her about my visions the fact she wants me to find her.

My Aunt waited for a reply, “Aunt, I had her body deliver to me yesterday. I looked over and something happened I can‘t explain it. I must find her,” I said.

“Oh it’s your birthday today, I should have brought the present over,” She said as we turned the corner and headed towards the park area.

“Now where to find her... Keep riding, Aunty!” I said as I looked about. The people were surprised as the carriage stormed along the path way Aunty Fran keeping it steady. “Emanuel, I don’t see her anywhere, my dear.” She said as I kept looking about.

“No she must be here, it’s in the vision I had.” I said out loud.

“Vision?” Aunty said as we stormed long through the trees.

“Yes, I have these visions of where she is. The first one was here in the park.” I cried as we soon headed back out of the park.

“Sorry dear, you must be suffering something. You shouldn’t be doing, because you could die at anytime,” My Aunty said as we headed out of the park.

As Anna-Maria walked along the streets people were surprised to see her walking around alive. Unfortunately Anna-Maria only walked by the park not went into it which where Emanuel search desperately for.

“Where am I?” she said as she walked along in his nightgown confused not aware of her surroundings well.

“Anna-Maria!” A lady cried from a store door. Anna-Maria looked at the woman blankly. “Who’s Anna-Maria?” She said looking confused.

“You are, don’t you remember me? Why are you walking around the streets like this?” She said as she guides her into the clothing store.

Mrs. Clairevale was owner of the clothing store use to give her outfits to the Christianson’s for years. It was one of the only places they came to. Yet Mrs. Clairevale was stunned to see Anna-Maria walking about alive and had no idea who she is.

“Mrs. Christianson, don’t you know who you are?” Mrs Clairevale said as she sat her down.

“No, I don’t know you or myself, sorry.” She replied.

“Allow me to bring you a dress for you to wear,” She said as she looked at the other customers in the store.

“Oh my, Anna-Maria is alive,” One said.

“I thought she was dead,” The other said. Anna-Maria looked at the pair oddly.

“Does her family or the police know?” Another said as they gossip and looked at her.

“I don’t understand she isn't there,” I said in disappointment yet it’s was then I received another vision.

I drifted off into it while Aunty was driving the carriage along not noticing I blacked out. I watched it seems she was in some clothing store or walking by one and went inside. This wasn’t one I was present it for then again.

“Come on, Anna-Maria, let's go into the store. You can see Emanuel later,” Her mother said as they entered the store.

“I’m so sorry, Emanuel, I left the park but you might find me at the store.” Anna-Maria said then faded away.

“Aunty Fran, head towards the clothing store on the corner!” I cried to her I could feel my heart pounding as I slumped in the back.

“No, Emanuel, you’re not feeling too well. You were wrong on the first place. I’m taking you home,” She protested and headed back towards my house.

I lurched up and grabbed her arm, “No! Aunty, please, you must do as I say, or Anna-Maria could be killed this time for real.” I cried.

“Stop it, Emanuel! You're going home to rest, for now!” She said as she tried to shake me off her arm. “Let go, you're making it hard for me to drive the carriage,” She said.

“Aunty Fran, please do this for me, please!” I yelled as she looked at me.

I think she saw something that I never expressed determination and strength. Right now I could be in serious pain yet that wasn’t a matter to me. I never consider other people lives besides my own but today was the ultimate adrenalin rush.

“What store?” Aunty said as she smiled at me.

“Clairevale’s dress shop,” I said as I cracked a smiled briefly.

“Emanuel, I have never seen you like this in a long time. You wouldn’t smile, you wouldn’t go outside. The fact you're suffering from heart disease is what caused you remain so dead like,” She said as we rode along the street.

“I don’t know to describe what I’m experiencing. All I know is I must save her or I won't have my dying wish fulfilled,” I said I sat back down.

Back at the store Anna-Maria was wearing a dress given by the store owner.

“It's lovely, but I can’t pay you for it now,” Anna-Maria said.

“I know Ms. Christianson, but I'll be happy to give it to you. Maybe I should take you to your family’s home,” Mrs. Clairevale offers to her.

“No thanks, I really don’t know what you're talking about so I’ll be leaving.” She said as she back towards the door way.

“But, Anna-Maria, please! I must tell them!” Mrs. Clairevale said but Anna-Maria already is outside the door.

Anna-Maria emerges onto the street and continues walking. On the other side of the street a red headed bearded man dressed in a suit was walking along until he headed to the curb. He looked across the street and spotted the one person he thought he got rid of.

“No way, she can’t be alive.” He said as he soon crossed over the street and follows Anna-Maria closely.

Aunty Fran and I just arrived at the store and I jumped down. “Aunt, stay here. I'll look in here.” I said as I entered the store.

“Excuse me, Madame, can you help me?” I asked the lady behind the counter. The other customers were looking at me weird.

“What exactly you need help on, sir?” Mrs. Clairevale said.

“Have you seen Anna-Maria in your store today?” I asked as Mrs. Clairevale looked at me oddly.

“Why? She said.

“I’m Emanuel Woods. I knew Anna-Maria and her family. I’m looking for her, has she been here?” I asked. Mrs. Clairevale looked at me then smiled a little.

“I knew your family I’m so sorry about what has happened to them. Yes she was here but she seemed confused. She didn’t recognize her own name or who I am. I knew her for a long time because she came here to shop,” Mrs. Clairevale said.

“Thank you, I must find her.” I said then turned around and headed back to the carriage. “Let me guess Emanuel, she wasn’t in there,” Aunty Fran said as she notice me climb back in.

“I don’t understand she wasn't just in there. How could she get away so quickly?” I said as we started riding along.

“To be honest, dear, I’m taking you home. No more of this wild chase.” Aunty Fran said as she turned the carriage up a side street.

“We can’t stop Aunt Fran. Do this for me as my birthday gift. I just want her to be alive and safe.” I said from the back. Aunty Fran sighs.

“Any idea on where she might be now?” She asked me. I closed my eyes and tried to think yet I was suffering a blank moment. No vision or sign as yet which surprised me.

“Oh, I got nothing.” I said as I frowned.

“She is dead, dear. I’m taking you home.” She said. It was that moment I started to lose hope on finding her. Soon enough we arrived back at my aunt’s house.

“Well come inside, Emanuel. You can have some time to rest” She said as she headed for the front door.

“Aunty Fran!” I whined yet she gave me a look she gives me when I was a child.

“Emanuel, you can’t keep going after something that isn’t there,” She said as she walked over to the carriage.

“Aunt I’m thirty-five years old. I spent my life in darkness and its bitter sweet scent of death. This isn’t a lie, Aunt, this is real!” I said looking into her blue eyes.

“Look, let's take a break. Then we will continue searching, OK?” She said as she opens the carriage door.

I pulled out my pocket watch and looked at the time barely 10am it only taken about 2 hrs of searching and I already back at my aunt’s home.

“You’re dying, can’t you feel yourself weakening?” She said as she grabs my hand.

“I guess a little time resting wouldn’t hurt,” I said as I placed my hand over my heart.

“Look, I don’t want you to die because after seeing your parents go and your grandfather as well... The family business is going down the drain. I’m losing people I love.” Aunty Fran said as I stood up and step out of the carriage onto the pavement.

“I know, but I don’t want to give up now.” I said as we went inside.

“I’m surprised you’re still breathing. It's strange.” She said as I sat down in the living room.

“Yeah I know. Maybe it’s because…” I paused as thought about it.

How could I be alive is it because Anna-Maria is counting on me to save her and find out who done it.

“Just rest, I’ll get your cake and some tea for you.” She said and went off into the kitchen.

“I don’t understand why I am not getting any more signs.” I thought to myself as I looked out the window.

Somewhere out there Anna-Maria was wandering about with no clue of who she is. Even more so the chances of that killer getting her are greater now that she suffering amnesia and not knowing anything or anyone. Out there far from Aunty Fran’s home, Anna-Maria was taken into a street café by a stranger who is the enemy. Yet she doesn’t know it.

“I hope you don’t mind if I treat you to a meal?” The man said.

“That be wonderful, I didn’t catch your name.” Anna-Maria said. Albert smiled as he posed as William Sheppard, a formal deadly rich man yet now he might have to resort to his old name than his fake one.

“My name is Albert, and you are my dear Sally James.” He said as he looked at her with a smile.

“Sally James?” She said looking at him.

“Yeah don’t you remember we were friends in school. We had a lot of fun times together” Albert said. Anna-Maria looked at him and then smiled.

“I’m Sally James!” She said with a light laugh.

“Yeah those days were great, we hanged out and played together. You were a great friend. It’s just we been separated so long and I never had the chance to see you.” Albert said as they received their drinks.

“Oddly enough Albert, you seem like a nice guy. I really can’t remember any of those days.” Anna-Maria said as she sips her drink.

Albert looked around as he watched some police men walk by.

“Umm,” Albert went as he looked away.

“Albert, please tell me?” Anna-Maria said as she notices his sudden movement.

“Oh yeah as I said the park where we hang out. My mother and your mother were close friends. We got along quite well,” Albert said as he looked at Anna-Maria.

“I really can’t remember, but…” She pauses as her mind started forming an image in her head.

Albert watched her as she was a little daze out by vision. He looked around hoping no one is going to come over and bother the pair.

“Sally?” He said as he watches her closely.

“I hope she isn’t remembering her true past,” He thought coldly. He knew she wasn’t thinking straight or the fact she hardly knows who he or she is.

“If I get her to trust me enough then I have the perfect opportunity to win back what I came for. Her money and home.” He thought.

Inside Aunty Fran’s home I sat sipping tea and eating some cake.

“Emanuel, what are you going to do about the debt on the family business and home?” Aunty Fran asks. I sighed.

“If I die, then the business means nothing to me. I want the bodies and clients shifted to funeral pallor.” I said as I bit into some cake.

“Hmm, well if any money is left over. I want to be the one to take care of your funeral ceremony,” She said.

I just nodded vaguely yet I really can’t end my life with this problem filled inside me.

“I faced the outside, yet my mind won’t let me rest. I must find her!” I said as I stood up from my seat.

“How do you expect to find her even she isn’t here?” Fran said.

“She is! I have all her memories in my mind. She is walking around vulnerable to being attacked again!!” I stammer back.

“Emanuel relax. Take a breath. Maybe you should get out of this place and come to Heaven for the remainder of your time,” She offers me. I looked at her tired grey blue eyes.

“I want Anna-Maria to be there for me. I can’t spend anymore time I must keep searching for her. Yet I’ll be happy if you helped me make this happen.” I said with a smile. Aunty Fran stood and walked over to me and hugged me gently.

“All this time, you haven’t shown a sign of grief or pain. It’s like something is holding up right.” She said.

It’s been a while since I had been hugged, love was something I rejected but I allow this to occur. Soon my aunt let me go.

“I’ll take you over to your house. I will get your things and bring them here.” She said as we headed out the door.

“So much to do, and so little time. It will have to wait.” I replied.

“Nonsense Emanuel, its only 10:30 in the morning. You haven’t had a vision or anything for half an hour.” She said as I climbed into the carriage.

Eventually we were heading back to my house to see the debt collector outside. I sunk in the seat as we soon stopped.

“Ah, Mr Woods. just the person I need to see,” The man said as he walked over to my aunt's carriage. I cringe this moment yet I sat up.

“Well, Mr. Ronaldson, I know you are here to talk about the mortgage and the debt.” I said as I climbed out of the carriage onto the pavement with ease.

“Yes, don’t you have some medical condition?” He asks, looking at me oddly.

“I do but I'll be happy to take my belongings out. I want the bodies here and the clients shifted to another funeral pallor.” I said without a sign of anger.

“Then we then will repossess your house. The business will be closed down along with all your connections to clients,” Mr. Ronaldson said.

“Well, I’ll be delighted to hand this over to you. Because I hope today will be my last day on this hellish place called earth,” I said as I opened the door.

At the police station the Christianson’s had arrived in search of some information on where their daughter’s body was. “Mr and Mrs Christianson we had your daughter’s body taken to Woods Funeral home. I understand you knew them so we had her taken there,” The captain said to them.

“You had her taken to the Woods. Why?” Mr Christianson protested.

“Look you can go and see her body which resides at that funeral home,” The captain suggested. Mrs Christianson looked at her husband as he calm down.

“Fine, I wish you could notified us before.” He said as they stood up from the chairs and headed out of the office.

The pair left the police station and climbed into their waiting carriage. Anna-Maria’s mother was like her daughter. Brown hair, blue eyes and pale peach complication with a nice smile. I do remember seeing her when Anna-Maria came to the park.

But her father quite different, he was stern; strict doesn’t show a lot of kindness at times. With grey thinning hair, wrinkles and cold blue eyes he wasn’t one I liked a lot. If I was to want to marry his daughter he might accept it due to my life expectancy or my job.

They headed straight towards my home business. Inside I was working through the paper work.

“Mr. Ronaldson, that’s everything I haven’t put the business or the house in the will. I like to take what mine is out and shift it to my Aunt’s home,” I said as I headed upstairs.

“I better go help him,” Fran said as she followed me leaving Mr Ronaldson downstairs. “Right... Emanuel what are we taking?” My aunt paused to see me pulled out a white coffin from the storage room.

“Aunt, this is my slumber for eternity. I want it treated well if I die I want to be put into it the way I am now.” I said. I saw her eyes wield up with tears.

“Emanuel, it’s beautiful,” She said as she came closer to me.

“It is. Help me get this downstairs I don’t think I’ll worry about taking anything besides grandfather’s ashes,” I said.

“We need to get your clothes and that out too, you know,” She added.

“No, I will have the repo man deliver it to you later, OK?” I said as I digs into a drawer and pocketed my will.

Soon we managed to haul my heavy coffin down stairs gently yet were faced with some people I really didn’t need to see.

“Mr. Woods, is that my daughter’s coffin?” Mr Christianson eyes the casket.

“No. Your daughter's body in the morgue downstairs. Sorry but I must get out of the place because it’s being closed down.” I said continuing towards the door.

“Mr. Woods! I want our daughter buried in a beautiful coffin like that! Give me that one now, I’ll pay for it,” Mr. Christianson said as he pulled out his money.

I hissed and Aunt Fran wasn’t pleased as we continued to the carriage placing it into the back.

“I need this coffin now!” He cried as he tried to pull me off the carriage.

“Look here; ho away and never come back. You left me in this state after my parents died! I got barely any life left in me. I need this coffin!” I yelled my anger was engulfing me as my violet eyes shone evil like at Mr and Mrs Christianson.

It was then I had a sudden vision this time it was a place I never been to before yet Anna-Maria must have treaded. A market scene I could see her and her mother walking along and yet there was the older version.

“Emanuel, please come find me. I wish to remember again!” She cried as I watched her disappear.

“Aunty, let's go!” I said as she climbed onto the carriage front.

“You can’t leave!” Mrs. Christianson cried as we pulled away and headed off.

“Emanuel, where are we heading?” Aunty Fran asked as we drove alone “I saw Anna-Maria in a market place,” I said.

“Market place where?” She answered back.

“I don’t know. I have never been to this market place before. It's where Anna-Maria had been,” I said. My aunt thought for a moment.

“The only market place I know in the area is in Arbour Square. That’s miles away from where we are going to take a lot of time,” She said as she turned up a side street.

“I just hope she doesn’t stray from there,” I said as I looked at my watch. Time 11:05pm another hour until midday.

Back at the funeral home the Christianson’s were fuming cause my lie. Anna’s body wasn’t in the morgue at all and I wasn’t going to start talking about something they won’t believe in. “That Emanuel!! He tricked us. Our daughter’s body isn’t here!” Mr. Christianson cried in anger as they stormed out of the house.

“Where do you suppose he put her body?” His wife asks.

“He probably got rid of it knowing his mental state,” Mr. Christianson said as they climbed back into their carriage.

“We must report him to the police. He could have stolen her body for some bazaar reason.” He added.

“You’re not thinking straight, dear. You think he stole our daughter’s body? For what reason dear?” His wife said. Their carriage started to leave as her husband was fuming.

“Calm down, we can confront Emanuel in a better manner. We can ask him what happened,” Mrs. Christianson said.

“I say we go and follow them right now! Or go back to the police station and file a report!” Mr. Christianson said.

The pair stared at each other until he have given the harness man directions. Mrs. Christianson frowns at her husband's actions yet cant be bothered fighting anymore.

At the Arbour Square markets Anna-Maria was being lead about by Albert looking at all the stalls seem to be having a relaxing time unaware she in the arms of the man who wanted her dead.

“You enjoying this Sally?” Albert said as they stroll past the fruit stores “Quite well Albert” she replied with a smile. Albert kept eye out as he tries and avoid policemen thought people could be looking at her.

“Sally, do you mind if I buy you a new hat to wear?” Albert said as was concerned about her being seen.

“Of course.” Sally said with a smile.

“Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Albert said as he walked over to a hat store. Anna-Maria looked about the place she could see some people looking at her and then turning away.

“Sally, put this on.” Albert said as he handed her the wide brim hat with a bit of a veil to it.

“Thank you,” Sally said as she put the hat on.

“Come let’s move along from here,” He said grabbing her and pulling her along.

“Where are we going?” Sally asks as they walked through the crowds.

Thought it was then some of the policemen in the area started following the couple. Albert took a look behind and then pulls Anna close him and taken a turn out of the markets.

“What’s wrong?” Sally said as she looked behind to see the police following them. “Albert!” She cried as he started running along with her the police soon picked up the pace and raced after them.

“Sally, just keep up with me please!” Albert said as they dodge some people and raced out towards the main street.

“Why are they chasing us?” Anna asks as he pulled her into another alleyway Albert refusing to answer.

“Just keep running, Sally!” He cried as she was pulled along.

The pair rushed across a busy street and into another alleyway.

“Can we stop running!” Anna cried as they soon stopped briefly.

“Sally, we need to get a carriage and try and lose those cops!” Albert said between breaths as he dug into his breast pocket and pulled out a gun.

“Albert!” Sally squeals as she tried to escape him but was struck down.

“Sorry, but you're coming with me! I’ll kill you!” Albert threatens as he pulled her up and ran into the next street.

“Help!” Anna cried as she was dragged towards a waiting carriage.

“Get in the carriage!” Albert said jabbing the gun into back.

Anna-Maria did as told she notices the police coming out of the alleyway. Albert jumped onto the front of the carriage and started up the horses pulling away from the street edge and off down the road. I was soon nearing the market area Aunty Fran showing signs of tiredness.

“Emanuel, we need to stop. We are here, I suggest you search on foot,” She said stopping the carriage. I sighed.

“OK, are you going to help me?” I said as I climbed out onto the pavement.

“I’ll wait right here, dear, you go and search if you wish.” She said as I turned around to see the large crowd of people and swallowed.

A crowd I could get lost, be impossible to find Anna-Maria I took a deep breath and headed in. I wander about as I looked from store to store. It’s was quite time consuming and I was feeling overwhelm by the people and the atmosphere.

After an about three hours my luck was wearing thin.

“She isn’t here. Where did she go?” I said as I headed back through the market area. I checked my watched and it was 2:00pm time was disappearing quickly.

“Emanuel, there you are.” Aunty Fran said as she found me wandering about unhappy

“Aunty Fran, she isn’t here,” I said as we walked back to the carriage.

“Emanuel, let's just go back to my house and you can rest.” She said as I climbed back into the carriage.

“I keep missing her.” I said.

Over at the Oxford St police station the Christianson’s return in a huff.

“Where’s the constable! I demand to file a report!” Mr. Christianson barks. Soon the constable emerges to see the pair.

“Well, Mr. Christianson, what is it now?” He said.

“I just came from the Woods funeral home and my daughter’s body isn’t there. I believe Mr. Woods had stolen her body in a white coffin!” Mr. Christianson said. The constable and the other police people looked at him before breaking into laughter.

“What is so funny? This is crime I tell you!” Mr Christianson barks.

“I’m sorry Mr Christianson most likely he is going to bury her. So why worry?” The constable said.

“Look here, I demand you send your men out to find him! I want answers!!!” Mr. Christianson yells thought it was then police officers rushed to see the commotion.

“Constable, we received a surprising report about Anna-Maria Christianson in Arbour Square marketplace. She was kidnapped by red-head man with green eyes about 5’5. They had stolen a carriage sir and on the run as we speak,” The officer said.

The officers and constable looked at the man.

“Did you just seen Anna-Maria Christianson alive with a potential suspect,” The constable said.

“Wait a minute, that sound likes William Sheppard’s description. You’re saying he was with her?” Mrs. Christianson said.

“You know that man, Madame?” The officer said.

“Mr. and Mrs. Christianson, can you tell us more about Mr. Sheppard please?” The constable said as the pair went into his office.

The carriage flew through the streets and headed towards the dock and industrial area of White Chapel closer to the river Thames. Anna-Maria watched out the window as they continued riding along.

“Albert! When are we going to stop!” She cried yet he didn’t respond. Soon the carriage pulled around the corner into abandoned shed. The carriage soon stopped inside an empty shed as Albert jumped from the front of the carriage and went to the back.

“Right You get out with me now!” He said grabbing at her arm.

“No, I’m not going anywhere!” She squeals and tried to fight back yet he forced the gun on her.

“Do as you're told or I’ll shoot you right now!” Albert barks and pulls Anna-Maria from the carriage onto the ground.

“I thought you said we were friends!” Anna-Maria said being very scared now. Albert laughs.

“You're really not Sally, I’m surprised you're pulling off such a stunt. Making me think you have amnesia,” Albert said as he pulled her out of the shed and towards a run down fishing shack.

“What do you mean?” Anna protested as she was shoved into the shack.

“Listen here! You’re Anna-Maria Christianson. The daughter who belongs to a rich family. You moved out of your family home into a luxurious town house. You married on William Sheppard who was your husband until you divorced him and cut him out of your will!” Albert barks as he flung her against the wall.

Anna-Maria looked terrified as Albert looms over her.

“I don’t understand anything you're saying!!” She said in fear. Albert strikes her across the face with the gun.

“You’re going to start to remember and stop this charade!” Albert said. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the will.

“What is that?” Anna said as she looked at the paper.

“This is your will. You will sign your name and I’ll get everything and you will die like you were supposed to!” Albert said then struck her in the head.

After an hour ride back to Aunt Fran’s house I was feeling blue.

“Emanuel we are here. Come inside, dear.” Aunty Fran said as she stopped the carriage outside her home. I raised myself from the carriage seat and wander into the house.

“I bet my chances are fleeting. Can we get this coffin inside please?” I said looking at the coffin with pride and joy.

“Sure,” Aunty Fran said as we hauled the coffin into the house and closed the door.

“I suggest you rest. If you do pass away, I’ll take care of everything, OK?” Aunt Fran said as he kissed my forehead.

Soon she left me alone; I looked at my coffin laid on the floor. It was the end I couldn’t find Anna-Maria and she will loose all her memories forever. I bent down besides my coffin ran a hand along the lid before opening both up exposing the inside to me eyes.

“I’m sorry, Anna. I failed you,” I said as I climbed into it and laid there.

My eyes felt heavy and either my heart was going to give way and allow me to die. It wasn’t at all giving up just yet. So I fell asleep in my coffin, though moment I settled into a sleep my head start filing through Anna’s memories. This time I foreseen some more that weren’t spark by her.

It happened in rush first scene must taken place at some grand party she had. People everywhere at a large house and I was foreseeing it through her eyes. It was then someone headed over to me a red head young man dressed in a suit with sharp green eyes.

I watched carefully I was soon standing beside the pair and watched them talk then they started dancing. The pair seemed to be attracted to each other. I took note cause the scenery changed seemed coupled years past then Anna-Maria got married to the man. So far I have no idea why his named hasn’t appeared yet.

Something wasn’t right here I kept watching. Thought I was soon struck with a more serious memory Anna-Maria was fighting with this man and order him to leave. He left and she divorced him and taken him off the will.

Then the final moment occurred the fight and attempted murder this time there was a part seemly revealed to me. The killer’s face was the same one Anna-Maria married yet I need his name.

“Emanuel help me, stop William Sheppard!” Anna- Maria cried. But this soon triggered a memory of my own.

It was winter day and I over heard my father talking about a William Sheppard dying and that they were the ones to tend to his funeral. That occur about 15 years ago and the man never looked like the man Anna-Maria married.

It was falling into place everything then my final vision revealed where and whom she was with. It was then my eyes flew open.

“Anna!” I cried as I sat up in my coffin.

“Emanuel what’s wrong?” Aunt Fran cried as she rushed into see me in my coffin.

“Aunt I know who have done it!” I said as I climbed out of my coffin filled with adrenaline.

“I know where Anna-Maria is. I know who killed she is with that man. She's being held hostage!” I said as I stagger towards the door.

“Emanuel, you don’t look too good!” My aunt said as she tried to guide me back.

“Believe me, get me to the Shadwell dock stairs now!” I said with power and then headed to the carriage.

“Emanuel, I don’t think you should try this again!” She protested yet she looked into my eyes which were more alive with determination and no sign of weakness though I have no idea what will occur when the memories will be replaced back into Anna-Maria’s mind.

“OK, Emanuel, I’ll do this one last time for you,” Aunt Fran said as she mounted onto the carriage front and we headed off.

“Hurry we don’t have a lot of time!” I cried then clench my heart.

As we flew through the lamp lit streets I could feel my life is going to end I experienced so much just in one day and now it will all disappear. I don’t want Anna-Maria to die before me or else her memories and everything will be stuck inside my head. I wasn’t going to rob her of what belongs to her.

Thought we weren’t alone, some odd reason we passed by a familiar carriage one with Mr. and Mrs. Christianson in with some police men. In fact more police were trailing us.

“Keep going Aunty because we aren’t alone on this hunch,” I said breathlessly.

We powered along with a trail of police and the Christianson’s seems strange that they appeared behind us it’s like they knew too. At the shack Albert was getting impatient as he was thumbing the will on the crate in front of a scared Anna-Maria.

“Look, sign the damn thing!” He spat as he held the gun at her.

“I can’t remember my name,” She cries.

“Stop it!” He said as he slapped her across the head she fell limp.

“I’ll have to do this. I guess forgettery had been easier,” Albert said as he held the gun to her head.

“Say good-bye!” He yelled it was then the door smashed open and several cops entered armed with guns.

“Mr. Albert Landon, you’re under arrest!” The constable said as Albert put up his hands.

“Don’t try anything smart, we have surrounded the area. Now drop your gun and you will come quietly with us,” The constable added.

Soon Albert was taken away from Anna-Maria, handcuffed and thrown into the paddy wagon. I watched the cops take him away then I rushed into the shack to see Anna-Maria hurt yet her parents were tending to her.

“Aunty, I need you to do one last thing,” I asked looking at her.

“What exactly do you want, dear?” She replied.

I pulled her away and whispered into her ear it was then my Aunty Fran managed to get Mr. and Mrs. Christianson away and outside.

“Anna-Maria, it's time I gave you what have you given me to help you back,” I said.

It was then I gently placed my hands on her head and then the sudden fleeing of memories left me and shot back into her. I could see her eyes open and her head raised up and looking straight at me. Every memory of hers I was growing weaker soon it all stopped me as left pulling my hands away with her looking at me in awe.

“There, I save you finally,” I tried to continue speaking yet I needed to save my strength.

“Emanuel, thank you,” She whispers yet I stagger to my feet.

“One last… thing,” I said grasping my heart the pain was terrible.

“Emanuel!” She cried which alerted her parents and my aunt into see me in pain.

“I better get him home. Anna-Maria, it would be wonderful if you come with us…” My aunt said as she guides me back into the carriage.

“I must protest!” Her father said yet my Aunt pulled away and left the docks behind. “Mother and Father, I must go. I must see Emanuel off,” She said and jumped into the carriage and cradles me.

I couldn’t believe it my time was withering away yet I was in an unusual place.

“Emanuel, I wish I had visited you more often. I’m so sorry not realizing,” Anna-Maria pauses for a moment. I looked at her.

“What?” I stammered she then looked at me.

“My feelings for you. I cared about you but I was scared about being with you because of your condition,” She said.

“Anna, today you made me experience so much… My emotions bursts open after years of dormant,” I coughed a bit.

“Emanuel, save your strength please.” Anna said holding me close.

“Hold on, dear, we are almost home!” My aunt cried yet I was weakening too quickly. A

All I hope now is that Anna-Maria will get my special note to her.

“I can’t let you go now,” Anna said as she looked at my open eyes.

“I must go,” I whispered. It was the next thing I didn’t expected at all.

“We are here. Quick, help me get him inside.” I heard yet I could bear tell what was going on.

“Anna, help me with him.” Aunt Fran said as I put up right and was carried out of the carriage onto the ground.

“Emanuel, hold on for a little more,” I heard Anna say as we entered my Aunt’s house.

“Over here,” My aunt said as she guides me and Anna to where my coffin laid open and waiting.

From there I was turn side ways and gently lowered down into the interior of it. My breathing was almost gone as I looked up at them it was then. I gently pulled the paper from my jacket pocket and laid it there which Anna-Maria lifted off me. I couldn’t hold out any longer as I let go and drifted away.

“He is gone,” Aunt Fran said as she got out her handkerchief started weeping. “Here, this note is for you,” Fran added as she handed it Anna-Maria. She opened it up and read.

To Dearest Anna-Maria

There is a lot I wish I could tell you but now it’s too late. I cared a lot about you yet when my mother told me you won’t see me it left me heart broken. I didn’t wish to experience any other emotion until today. My dying wish is for you to give me my dream funeral and be there for me, yet someday I want you to be buried next me and that some day comes, I’ll be waiting to gather your spirit in my arms we will be together for eternity.

I love you...

Anna-Maria burst into tears.

“I made the horrible mistake of not seeing him. I didn’t know he loved me,” She said as wept. It was then Aunt Fran went to the door and saw The Christianson’s standing there

“Come if you wish. My nephew is dead,” She said coldly as they entered her house. “Mother... Father...” Anna-Maria cried as she rushed over and hugged them both crying.

So that’s where it ended, it wasn’t until day or so later I was finally buried below my stone angel tombstone, beneath the big oak tree that stood in the middle of the cemetery. Anna-Maria and her parents were there along with my Aunty Fran. I watched it all from up in the tree.

Everything was perfect, now Aunt Fran delivered it well. So I had a long wait on my hands, yet it didn’t seem long at all. Unfortunately Anna-Maria did die from ill health something internal like my own. It was breast cancer.

It might been a horrid loss for the Christiansons, my aunt Fran managed to inherit everything I owned along with my families belongings and the business was closed down. I guess this is where I should end my tale yet I’m not lonely anymore...

The End.