Ten

I usually always dreaded funerals, but today was worse. I dug a hole to bury the girl I was madly in love with. Uncertainty set. Will Zoey still be able to be with me? What is her unfinished business, and what happens when she finishes it?

Her family started to arrive. One by one, we watched them each show up. Zoey was quiet today, but could you blame her, honestly?

"All these people came here today to say goodbye, but no one came to say hello while I was alive," she said. I rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

We walked over to the gathering of people. "The flowers are beautiful," Zoey said, looking over her casket.

"They are."

"I would like to say some things about Zoey," her mother said, walking over to the podium. "I didn't have a good relationship with my daughter and that was because of the choices she made. That doesn't mean my heart isn't hurting."

"That's bullshit, mother!" Zoey screamed, flipping over the extra chairs. Everything went silent. Everyone watched in horror as chairs flew across everywhere.

"What's happening?" her mother cried.

"Zoey, please calm down." I reached out to her.

"She abandoned me!" Zoey cried.

"I know."

"I need to tell her."

"I will help you."

We both walked up to the podium. "Excuse me," I said to her mother, and she moved aside. I cleared my throat. Will these people believe me? I had no idea. I had to help Zoey, she needed me, and that was all I cared about.

"I have no idea where to begin or what to say. A few weeks ago, a beautiful girl knocked on my door wanting to pay for her father's burial plot. She had no idea he was already buried here. She had no idea his funeral had already happened. She was missing memories. Long story short, that beautiful girl was Zoey. She was heartbroken because she never worked things out with her family. Now, she is angry."

"Cut this sickening bullshit off!" Zoey's mother snapped.

"He's telling the truth, mom, I have witnessed it," Kim said, standing up in her seat.

Zoey stepped directly in front of me and walked forward. It was like she was walking through me. It felt awkward. My whole body felt cold. I felt her pain. My heart agonized with her feelings. I repeated the words as they popped into my mind.

"Our relationship wasn't bad because of my actions. Yes, I am not proud of them. Our relationship was bad because you abandoned me. I suddenly wasn't worthy of your love because I made a few mistakes. I needed you and you weren't there. Even when you're saying goodbye now, you can't admit that."

Zoey's mother was crying. Her hands were over her face.

"I am sorry Zoey; I should have been there," she said. Zoey stepped forward, leaving my body. I watched as Zoey hugged her mom. "I feel so cold," her mom said.

"Zoey just gave you a hug." I placed my hand on her shoulder.

I saw the light shining through the woods as my heart sank into my chest. My hands went numb. She finished her business. It was time for her to leave. I knew this day was coming, but why now? I am not ready to lose the girl I love. The rest of the funeral went by quickly with everyone getting a chance to say goodbye to Zoey. I knew my goodbye was coming up all too soon. I felt sick. I was alone again.

The funeral was over, and we walked to the light in complete silence. I could beg her to stay. I could tell her to ignore the light. Would she, do it? Would that make her happy?

We reached the light source, and it was so bright – it was like standing directly in front of the sun, like a thousand light bulbs.

"I have to go," Zoey said.

"Please don't.'' I reached for her hand.

"I want to see my dad, Kevin." I swallowed hard. She wants this, and I have to let her go. I put her face in my hands. I kissed her gently, saving the taste of her lips in my mind. One last kiss, one last time I ever held my Zoey in my arms. I let her scent fill my nose. I ran my fingers through her hair, memorizing its smooth texture. "I love you, Zoey."

"I love you too, Kevin.'' She kissed me one last time. That was it. She stepped into the light and disappeared out of sight.

I sat there in the spot I last saw Zoey, crying like a baby for hours. She was gone. I should have stopped her. It was dark when I walked back to the house. Pushing the door open, it looked empty. She brought happiness and love to my house, but she was no longer here. Ghost looked around as I entered the house alone. "She's gone, Ghost."

The poor dog put his tail between his legs – it was like he understood what I said. I couldn't eat dinner. I was not motivated to do anything. Depression swept over me. The thought of never seeing Zoey again ached in my soul. It broke me to pieces. Was this my fault? Should I have prepared better for this? I don't regret loving Zoey. The short few weeks we had together brought me so much happiness. I will cherish the time I had with her forever.

I walked into the bedroom and climbed into an empty bed. Zoey's spot sat empty. It just reminded me that she wasn't coming back. I closed my eyes, forcing my body to sleep. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to feel.

I woke up to a bright new day. I climbed out of bed and got dressed, preparing to throw myself into my work in the cemetery like I did before Zoey arrived. After eating breakfast, it wasn't long before I was outside raking the leaves around the graves when I noticed Kim pulling into the driveway. Looking at her reminded my heart of what it was missing.

"Is Zoey still there?" she asked walking up to me.

"No. She is gone. She went into the light yesterday."

"Like to heaven?"

"I like to hope so." Kim nodded her head, a tear sliding down her cheek.

"She wanted to see her dad."

"I am sure she did," I smiled.

"You love my sister, don't you?'' she asked.

"I do," I admitted. She smiled.

"So yesterday was indeed goodbye," she said.

"Unfortunately."

"I know it hurts, but just know she'll be happy there in heaven with her dad."

"I know it's what she wanted."

Kim hugged me before driving away. If she concluded that Zoey was in a better place, then why couldn't I? Was I selfish?

Yesterday was Halloween, and Zoey was here. That felt like days ago. I missed her more than words could explain. She completed me. I decided to drive to the farmer's market to buy some roses for my Zoey's grave – she was buried next to her father. I got into the truck and went down the road. The car was empty without Zoey's singing. I smiled, remembering her voice.

I finally reached the farmer's market. I got out of the truck and went inside. The flowers were right by the register. I grabbed a dozen and checked out. I didn't feel like talking. I had nothing to say. I paid for the flowers and walked back to my truck.

Memories of Zoey played through my mind on the way home. I missed her more and more as time went on. I pulled into the cemetery – it was empty. I parked the truck close to Zoey's grave. I put down her roses on her grave and sat down.

"I miss you, Zoey.'' Tears slid down my face.

"Beautiful flowers."

I heard a voice behind me. I turned around, jaw dropped – it was the sight my heart so desperately longed for. Zoey was standing behind me.

"Your back!" I said embracing her in my arms.

"I missed you too." She hugged me.

"How are you here Zoey? I saw you walk into the light…"

"This is my heaven right here with you, Kevin."

I pressed my lips to hers and kissed the girl who had my heart forever.

The End…