A
woman dressed in black entered the semi-crowded room at the east end of the
Vanderhoff Funeral Home. She walked with a subtle swing in her step that caused
her mid-length dress to flow around her. Those she passed took notice. Crystal
accents sparkled on the curved neckline and cuffs of her garment. Long dark
hair hung softly down her back. She knelt beside the coffin of James Stuart and
held her clasped hands to her breast. She bowed her head.
Waiting
behind her was a man with a stocky build, uncomfortable in a suit. His square
jaw and glacier blue eyes were held serene, though they gazed with intensity at
James’ inert face. The woman seemed to sense him there and turned to extend her
hand to him. He knelt beside her, gripping the side of the coffin with his
hand.
“Godspeed,”
she murmured.
“Welcome
home,” he intoned.
They
rose together and took seats in the third row. Most of the other visitors were
standing, talking in groups or wandering to look at framed pictures about the
room.
“Ah,
Mariel,” he said as she slipped her arm under his elbow. “I didn’t think we’d
be here so soon.”
“I
know, darling, I know,” she said. “How I’ve missed him though! Glad to wait
nevertheless, but now....”
“And
there’s Sunny. I knew she’d come.”
They
watched as a young woman gazed tearfully at James, holding a lace handkerchief
to her eyes. Her silky blond hair fell forward as she reached to place a yellow
flower against his hands. She kissed her fingertips and brushed them on his
arm. She was dressed in white. The white sequins filling a V-shape on the front
of her blouse glistened. Rising, she walked slowly to the third row.
“Ben!”
she sighed as she melted into his arms. “And Mariel.” Sunny held her cheek
against hers for a few moments. They sat down together.
The
comfort of their closeness showed that they had met many times in this way.
They were not related, and the young age of the woman wearing white seemed at
odds with the two older people, well over fifty, with whom she was so familiar.
“I
hate to think of how he passed,” said Sunny tremulously.
“It’s
how he lived that’s important,” said Ben in his gravelly voice. “Can’t remember
how many shows we were in together…”
“Didn’t
we have fun though,” said Mariel with a dreamy smile.
“Oklahoma was my favorite.”
“West Side Story.”
“1776.”
“What
was his favorite do you suppose?” wondered Mariel.
“A Christmas Carol.”
They
turned to find James standing in the row behind them. Heartfelt greetings
followed.
“We
were talking about all the theater we did together,” said Mariel through her
tears. “I thought it would never end.”
“It
doesn’t have to,” laughed James.
The
four of them grew gently indistinct, and disappeared.(479 words)
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