The Funeral Without a Fight
Chapter 16 - The Funeral Without a Fight
Thomas died peacefully.
Eleanor was beside him.
His hand was in hers.
There were no machines.
No arguments.
No unfinished words.
At the funeral, Eleanor expected conflict.
Instead, Richard approached her before the service.
He handed her a small box.
Inside was Thomas's old watch.
“He wanted you to have this.”
Eleanor looked at Richard.
“Thank you.”
Richard nodded.
“I hated you.”
“I know.”
“I thought you were taking something from us.”
Eleanor looked toward the church.
“Your father wasn't something anyone could own.”
Richard lowered his head.
“I know that now.”
During the service, Diane asked Eleanor to sit in the front row.
Beside the children.
Not behind them.
Not separate.
Family.
Caroline read Margaret's letter aloud.
No one knew she planned to.
By the end, even Eleanor was crying.
Afterward, the family gathered at the lake house.
Richard stood alone near the water.
Eleanor joined him.
“Are you afraid?” she asked.
“Of what?”
“The consequences.”
Richard nodded.
“Every day.”
Eleanor looked at him.
“Good.”
He stared at her.
Then she smiled gently.
“Fear means you're finally paying attention.”
Richard laughed.
It was the first real laugh she had heard from him.
May you like
Thomas was gone.
But the family he left behind was finally beginning to become honest.
