Ninety-Seven…

Ninety-Seven: Dust in the Wind

This chapter is very short, and only involves Aubrey’s memorial.

NOTE: I’ll publish chapter 98 on Monday April 9, since this one was so short. Chapter 99 will be posted next Thurs./Friday as usual.

Aubrey’s memorial was a small service. Only the immediate family attended. That was the way Vaclav wanted it.

Every so often Lucifer cried from his stroller. Vaclav tuned out his new son’s cries, leaving it up to Lauren to tend to the infant; even though she had a four-week-old baby of her own.

Kat’s chin quivered as she gazed at her beautiful mother.

Yes, Vaclav thought. Even in absolute death, Aubrey is just as beautiful.

He didn’t want his beloved to leave, to be condemned beneath the ground for eternity. Her life was meant to be spent with Vaclav, not inside a coffin nestled within the earth.

Vaclav cursed God.

Briefly he glanced at Lauren. Tears streamed down her face as well. Then his gaze lowered to Lucifer. The child was awake, but at least he stopped crying.

“I will miss you, my essence.” He had no more tears left to shed.

Reznik hugged his father.

Time. It was the only thing that could heal what was left of Vaclav’s heart.

He had all the time in the world… yet a tiny voice seemed to whisper: you’ll never get over her.

Cody and the twins played, unaware of what was happening. Cody only thought his grandmother was sleeping. He didn’t yet understand she’d never wake up.

Vaclav wished he could be like the children. Ignorance truly was bliss. His pain was sharp, tangible as if his heart were actually ripped open.

He’d never heal. Vaclav wished to take that knife he used on Aubrey and take his own life.

And just for a moment, he could pretend she was only sleeping. Any moment now she’d awaken, throw her arms around his neck and kiss him, tell him she loved him and everything would be okay.

Everything would be okay…

Aubrey was buried several yards from the manor, in the backyard. A statue of her likeness graced that site.

It was beautiful. Just like her.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’ sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

~ The 23rd. Psalm