Chapter 12: The Grave

They buried Edith on Wednesday, under a gray sky, in the cemetery beside her husband.

Claire's parents came late and left early.

Her father shook hands with the minister and checked his watch.

Her mother kissed the air next to Claire's cheek and said she had a flight to catch.

They did not look at me.

By the end, there were four of us at the grave.

Claire, in black, with her arms wrapped around her waist.

Darius, a step behind her, holding an umbrella that nobody needed.

Danielle, standing a little way off by a tree, because Claire had not asked her to leave and I had asked her to stay.

And me.

I put a single white rose on the coffin.

I thought of the lemon cookies and the blue chair.

I thought of how hard Edith had pressed my hand.

Ask her what she thinks about when you are not in the room.

I did not know how to ask.

"You should go home, Ms. Danforth," Darius said softly. "The board wants to speak at four. I'll drive you."

Claire did not answer.

She was staring at the earth.

"Ms. Danforth?"

"Go away, Darius," she said.

He hesitated.

"Go and sit in the car."

He went. His shoes made a soft sound on the gravel.

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