Breathe me - Sia
“Dearly Beloved. . .”
The reverend's words were lost on me. My eyes were fixed on my hands. . . my chest heavy
with guilt, shame or something in between. I could feel and hear the breath of
everyone behind me, they were all waiting. . . this was a show to them. I had listened earlier in disdain as they chatted
about how beautiful the flowers were, how stunning my mother’s dress was and how divine the setting was.
From her seat up front I could see my mother crying. It was shivering cold but I didn’t care. I would sit out there all day if I had too.
My father was dead.
The beautiful soft wood casket seemed to glare at me. I couldn't take my eyes off it.
He was supposed to be invincible.
I finally allowed myself to let a few tears fall. From her seat my mother offered me a smile. “be strong” that is what that particular smile meant.
There was a murmur and I heard people turning in their seats. I had not realized that the reverend stopped mid sentence.
I turned to see three policemen in blue were making their way down the aisle towards the casket. They were flanked at the side of Detective Olive Rainer. She didn’t look happy about intruding on my father’s funeral. Her bright red hair hung loose her stance was strong, her expression apologetic.
Detective Rainer moved towards my mother and offered her condolences with a simple gesture. The two spoke in whispers. Mother spoke quietly and suddenly she became hysterical. Screaming “no” over and over again till someone comforted her.
“Professor DeLune”, Detective Rainer said now standing over me.
“Yes”, I said appearing sympathetic. My tears were real I hoped she could see that
“Come with us”, she said
Before I could protest the two men in blue were helping me out of the chair and binding my hands in tight handcuffs.
“What the hell are you doing ?”I said as every mourner’s eyes fell on me.
“Clara, you’re under arrest.”, Rainer said stoically.
“What for ?”
“The murder of Martin DeLune.. . your father.”
I turned back to my mother as they pulled me along. Rainer
wiped a stray tear but appeared content. As the police car pulled off the first snow
of December fell.
Positively divine.