Page 30 of Pretty Thing

Eloise approaches me near the front desk. I recognize her immediately with the shock of white hair and large glasses.

“Hello, how can I help…do I know you?”

“Hi, Eloise. I was here for my mother’s service and to pick up my brother’s ashes, but today I’m here for Eden Hale. She is my fiancée, and her parents were just killed in that horrific car crash last Friday. She is beside herself right now and asked me to make the arrangements. She’ll call with any changes afterward.”

She flips through the appointment book. “Yes, I remember you now. And I’m so sorry to hear that. We usually require a family member to make these sorts of arrangements.”

I give her my most sincere look.

“I understand. She’s out in the car if you want to confirm with her, yourself. She just can’t bear to come in here.”

“No, that’s okay. Let’s get started, shall we?”

I follow Eloise into the office, and she closes the door. This decision seems heavier than with my mother, not because of Eden’s parents, but because of Eden. Somehow her grief is wrapped around mine.

Folders are spread across the desk. Casket brochures. Urns. Prayer cards. Music selections.

I should get information and leave, but I don’t. Eden can barely walk without crying right now. She looked like she was about to stop breathing entirely when we pulled into the parking lot. I can’t make her flip through catalogs.

“Do you know how many people are expected to attend the service?”

I don’t. I remember the small room where my mother’s funeral was held. It was designed to hold 30 people. There were only five of us, but it was the smallest room available.

“We’ll need the largest room,” I say, guessing that by the way Eden talks about her parents, they have many friends and family who will want to come.

“Okay, have they requested burial or cremation?”

“Cremation,” I say without hesitation.

Eden may not remember, but I saw the side of her father’s face, and there is no way they will make him look normal again.

The questions keep coming. I circle each item that I pick from the brochures to show Eden.

“What kind of flowers did they like?”

Yellow flashes through my head immediately. The sunflower border in Eden’s kitchen. Photos on the fridge. Tiny painted flowerpots on the windowsill.

“Sunflowers,” I answer.

The funeral director smiles gently.

“Those are beautiful for celebration arrangements. Not the easiest to get this time of year, but I know a flower shop that grows year-round. I’ll see if they have some available. What about music?”

“Fleetwood Mac. Creedence Clearwater Revival. Queen. Landslide and Dreams are a couple of their favorites,” I say quietly.

Eloise nods.

By the time I finally stand, nearly forty minutes have passed.

The woman hands me a folder with all the information.

“You’re a very good young man for helping the family like this.”

The compliment feels right. I am helping. Aren’t I? Of course I am. That’s all I’ve wanted from the beginning.

“Thank you, I hope so.”

Outside, snow hits my face sharply as I walk toward the car. Eden immediately looks guilty the second she sees me.