Ruth has started the photo reel slideshow, and images of Elise splash against the white wall. It’s not as sad as I imagined. Ruth selected the happiest shots, and some comical ones. Paired with lively, hopeful music, at the end the mood in the room actually seems elevated.
I stand with my parents for a while afterwards, and my sister and Emma. Some people are leaving, and my family does as well, but a lot of us linger. The atmosphere lightens even more, and it soon feels like a party.
I’m talking with Emma and her friends Josh and Caroline, who knew Lucie, when Mike comes over. I introduce everyone. Then strangely, some new information surfaces.
“We heard a rumor about Lucie,” Josh begins.
“It’s not confirmed,” Caroline chimes in.
“But then we also f...

Please subscribe to keep reading.