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The wedding was elegant in its simplicity The parlor which once saw Ms Dead Aain awash in candlelight I stood next to my father as I watched Russell - himself dressed to the aces - escort Diane down the short hallway froood," Russell chortled as we celebrated Diane and Joseph's e, the New Year, another decade, the turn of the century and a new ht

"Too new beginnings," the small party replied as couldn't start soon enough With Diane and Dad already departed for their honeyed with the help of Russell The two of us drank away New Year's Day in JD's tavern When we finally closed JD's, I walked Russell home Still dressed in his tux, the old ht one up for old tiht," I lied

"Ah coood shit"

"I can't I don't want to ht"

"I see says this blind man," Russell chuckled "Well you take care of yourself boy, you hear?"

"You too old ed him I watched him climb the stairs He didn't look back "I love you, you old shit," I whispered as Russell disappeared

"Jesus H Christ!" Steve Lucas cried "Morrison how many ti in a funeral ho, you never knoho has a skull saw or an e needle in their hand

"I don't work here anyht I never noticed you were gone," Steve s my hand

"Well, I'm out of here Just wanted to say see ya and remind you that my offer still stands"

"I'd love to come and visit you and your slack-jaw yokel friends Maybe I could spike their moonshine with a little formaldehyde It's the only way I'll ever be the life of a party"

"Who says I have any friends?"

"What was I thinking?"

"If I did they'd hate your guts Either way, co you around"