69 IT ALL BEGAN (1/2)

The skies were clear, not a cloud to be seen. The sun was shining soothingly, lighting up the world as if bringing hope and joy. Birds were flying across trees, singing beautiful melodies. The wind swept up unknowing skirts and hats. Children frolicked along the road, with their parents in tow.

It was a beautiful, sunny day.

It was Layla's burial.

Burials are very sad occasions. They are a representation of a loved one's final goodbye. You can't see, hear and smell the person who has been a part of your life. It is a final parting, a final goodbye.

But the people who went to place Layla in her final resting ground felt otherwise. The people all wore genuine smiles, all wearing vibrant colors, all exuding a festive vibe.

This was not a mere burial. This was a celebration of life.

”We are gathered here today,” the pastor drawled. He was saying about things, about heaven, death, resurrection. But I cannot focus on what he's saying, so I shifted my focus on where Layla was lying. There was no mirror, and her body is slightly raised so that her face is visible to everybody.

She looks at peace, albeit smiling. She is free, and I'm happy she won't ever suffer anymore. Memories with Layla flashed in my head. Of the things we talked about, of the gossips we shared. She was the only one I ever told of Ethan, and she knew he was her doctor. But she never ever judged us, and never even showed any signs that she knew that secret. She was such an angel. A pure angel.

I was propelled back to the present by the claps of the people.

”We know Layla as a sweet and beautiful child.” The pastor said, intertwining his fingers in front of him. ”She was very dear to us, a ray of hope, a fountain of joy, and a spring of love. We may never see her again, but she still remains in our heart. We are not to forget all she did for us. We are to remember her as a friend, a sister, a daughter.”

Silence. And then, ”No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away. So we remember until all the days in our lives so that she'll live in each and every one of us.”

A thunderous applause. And then someone spoke beside me, ”Does it really? Scientifically-”

I smirked and said, ”Shut it Ethan. No one wants to hear your scientific explanation.”

I faced him and hugged him. ”Thank you for that.”

He laughed. ”What are you thanking me for? I only said the truth.”

I smacked his shoulder and rolled my eyes. ”Whatever you say.”

”Let's go.”

”Go? We're going where?”

”I knew you'd be hungry. So let's go eat.”

”Hmmm okay. But I have to talk to Ash first. We went here with the class.”

”Okay. I'll accompany you.”

”It's okay. I can-”

”No, how am I supposed to contact you, my phones dead.”

I sighed. ”Okay fine.”