Epilogue

I spent my twenty-fifth birthday in the cemetery. Drenched from the rain and heavy from burdens. Mum, Dad and my sister were only in their thirties when they died. Why did they have to die so young? I was blessed to have a loving family, even if it pleased God to take them away.

"I promise I will stay strong for you all..."

Here lies Bailey Fishman

1957 - 1995

His wife Sapphire

1960 - 1995

And their daughter Kathleen

1980 – 2015

Lovely family forever missed

A promise I had forgotten all about. A promise that I was reminded off. I'm thirty-one now – Kathleen's age when she died, and it still feels surreal being without my family.

My fears have been conquered: now it's Todd's turn. It's a long walk to Kathleen's grave, but the fact that Todd is able to keep his cool is courageous enough. He gives me the worn-out picture of Kathleen from his wallet and I pop it in a bouquet.

"How are you feeling?" I ask him.