Amanda decided to have Patte's funeral in Chestnut, where they grew up and met. I hated the thought of going. Ma would have stayed home while Googling 'How to reanimate the dead', and yet here I was, in the passenger seat, wearing a black tux, driving behind the hearse, where my mother is.

When we're at the funeral, I refuse to speak. If I spoke, people will tell me how sorry for my loss they are. Mom talks in front of everyone, though.

"Patte was amazing. Strong, strong-willed, and strong enough to carry our family. Our daughter, Zero, loves her so much. We both do. And we miss her..." Mom was crying almost the entire time. Then again, so was I.

After the service, we headed out to the cemetery to bury her. I stood there, watching them lower my Ma into the ground, trying not to cry for her. I still did, though. 

After Patte was buried, I sat under the shade of a large tree and stared at the dark sky. Why does the universe hate me?

I started my yelling again. Screaming at the Cosmos and cursing. I screeched and wailed and swore. 

And then, from the corner of my eye, I saw Emily walking towards me.