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"You remember that aunt Alex had in Montana?" I nodded "Turns out, she doesnʼt exist In fact, none of the contact information they provided the school is correct Since we have no way of reaching the next of kin, the Senior class took upthe actual service became Tinsleyʼs job"

"What about Liam? I mean, I know they donʼt have muchfuneral arrange from my IV pole as she spoke "No one has seen Liaency room"

"Since he did what?"

"After Alex fell, Jase and Charlie started howling for help Lia you out of the woods when I got there" Her eyes ain

"It was just likeacross his ar There was too much that didnʼt add up Too many questions without answers Too e of liquid oblivion, saving et released fro The doctor was hesitant, afraid of infection, but Moreed to continue IV antibiotics at hoot to the ceht black cotton dress that o sizes too big so it wouldnʼt agitate round as gently as possible

The entire school turned out for the memorial service I doubted even half of the for the boy who died, but really they were justheld sense of immortality

Everyone stared at me as we made our way to the front My hospital room had been filled with cards, flowers, and balloons from fellow classmates, yet every time I looked over the crowd eyes darted away like cockroaches scurrying froht The Scout Donovan who stood at Deathʼs door was a beloved friend of the entire Senior class Scout Donovan, the survivor, was merely a spectacle, a topic of conversation

I briefly wondered if it should bother me

Since Alex was not active in any of the local churches, the service was conducted h school administration and staff Our principal, Mrs Tavers, started by talking about the tragedy of losing soot up and spoke about what a good student he was and his positive attitude Mrs Sole was the only one that talked about hih h the sobs After the eulogies, Jane Potts did an e acoustic version of "When Soul Meets Body" The service ended with a prayer led by another senior, David McGoas heading to seminary in the Fall

And then it was over The whole of Alexʼs life had been reduced to a generic grave side service attended by people who never knew him in any way that mattered I wanted to screaood-bye?" Dad nodded towards the casket where several people had gathered,on one another for support

I did want to say good-bye I wanted at least one person who knew hie the life that was lost and could never be replaced, but there were so h the entire service, waiting for some response People anted to see rief What were they saying about me? About ht?

Why on earth did I care?

"Yes, please"

The group of roups of people turning to look at me For the first tiht If they wanted a show, fine I would give therateful I had already seen his face pale and unain