Chapter 2608 A Broken Horny Home:>Ep8
- We had planned it that I would tell the last story. I had a whole thing written up, a really good, sweet story about Brandon's Secret Santa crusade, something only he and I knew he did every year for needy friends in the community. But when it was my turn, I stood, I stared out at the crowd, and I just couldn't. I wanted to speak and maybe got out a few syllables, but that was it. Deana and Hannah stood up to guide me back to my seat, and I spent the rest of the funeral staring at the casket, feeling like I let Brandon down, the echoes of my father's disappointment as loud as the movie had been at his home.
- Things ended with a song, but would continue for a little while longer graveside. We shuffled out there, Hannah holding onto my arm, her head sometimes drooping against my shoulder. I felt nothing but numb weariness.
- She was pulled away at the grave by the necessities of the funeral. She, Deana, and Gordon stood by the head of the grave with the pastor as he spoke. Beside me, so softly I wasn't sure I heard her at first, Rachel said, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I glanced in her direction. She was looking steadfastly forward, but said out of the corner of her mouth, "For this and him and... everything."