I couldn't eat, I refused to sleep, I only answered direct questions but preferred not to speak at all. Fearing for my mental health I was forced to stay with Mason until the funeral. Where it was arranged I would go back to living with my parents after the ceremony, back to the city where I was born, but Rayul would remain here. Forever. They were the ones that had thrown Rayul out for his behavior, when they did, I had willingly gone with him. I'd much rather die then live with them. I sat in the corner of Masons bedroom, unmoving for days, until the funeral.

There was a soft knock on the door. When I supplied no response, it opened anyway.

"It's time to go Aaron" Mason said softly, meaning it was time to see my brothers lifeless body one last time. Last time to see him lying motionless in a god damned casket. One last time before he was buried beneath six feet of earth, and decayed beyond recognition.

"I'm not going" I croaked, having not used my voice in days, my eyes red and swollen from ceaseless tears.

"Aaron...".

"I'm not going" I repeated in monotone.

"Rayul would have wanted you-".

"Don't! Don't you dare claim to know what he would have wanted. None of you believed him remember? How could you possibly know what he would have wanted when you thought him a liar!" I was on my feet with balled fist, glaring him in the eye. He knew nothing of what Rayul would have wanted.

He looked stunned and hurt by my out burst but I could not care less. Silently he nodded and closed the door, choosing to give in and not drag me to the memorial home.

What would be the point of seeing the body again but the soul was long gone? A single tear slid down my cheek, I resumed sitting in the corner hugging my knees where I hid my face from the world.

By nightfall Masons apartment was bustling with mourners, the voices hushed, though several passed by not one of them entered this room. Not until most of the mourners had dispersed, did someone knock and receiving no answer they came in. I could not be bothered with lifting my head to see who it was. What difference did it make to offer condolences that had no real worth or value? What good were their empty words and apologies?

"Aaron?".

"Get out!" I snapped recognizing Eric's voice. He was the last person besides my parents that I wanted to speak to.