I wanted to say my piece. About my broken family and about how Mother was the only functional one. Only if that was true. In our own ways, we're all broken. But when was that ever new?  Beside me, Mother lay in her open casket, beautiful as the day she died, but when is anyone ever not beautiful when they're dead. Or mourning. 

The white lilies were being to wilt, the rain made translucent spots on the petals, the lilies were going to stay with her. Even as Mother's coffin meets the ground 6 ft under. A beautiful addition to an already beautiful corpse. I knew she was rotting. I knew that this was the last chance. The last chance I would get to take the most stunning photo.  

This is by far my best day. 

I didn't have enough.  Looking back upon Mother's peaceful face I stroked her cheek, her mascara was beginning to smudge. They should close the coffin soon. 

"Thank you, friends and family, for joining us today. I know Mother would be delighted that so many people turned up, even if she hasn't talked to any of you for a while. As many of you don't know, my Mother died in a tragic way. I was there. Maybe not holding her hand as she passed, but she was never one for contact. I would ask my living family if they would have something to say, but..." 

Comically I scanned the crowd, fully knowing they wouldn't be here, well I should get a laugh every once in a while, "They're not here," 

I clapped my hands together, as a child would when presented with a new toy. 

"Which is in no way surprising. Father is probably getting drunk, dancing along with, yet another, new wench and Elene, oh my sister, my dear sister, is on the other side of the world. They're all moving on with their dreadfully weary lives. Which is unfortunate because they're missing this wonderful gathering... Well, that concludes my speech. If anyone would like to say something then-  please, be my guest," 

As I left Mother's side with a bow, uneasy murmurs arose. I would've used foul language to stress my point but, the words spoke for themselves. This truly is a tragically glorious day. I can't wait for the next one. Although that be spoiling me a bit. Maybe I could amuse myself with some newly uncovered skeletons or corpses. I know how much they miss my presence. 

Swivelling around on my heel, I turned to face the sea of sorrow,

"Oh, you might want to close the coffin soon. Mother's make up is getting ruined."