Chapter 8: Goodbyes

“Welcome, everyone. I am honored to be gathered here with you to remember the life of Chilli Heeler... For some, the sadness that fills your heart is almost too much to bear. Our only hope is that our strength together is enough to prove we aren't alone in this feeling. On behalf of all in attendance, we thank you. You all represent a life changed forever by Chilli's presence... For those of you who intend to share your experiences with Chilli, please come up.”

A crowd of family members and close friends filled the seats of a funeral home. Everyone there could’ve spoken about Chilli for hours, but few had the composure to put their thoughts into words. Trixie sat in the first row. She handed Muffin over to Stripe and walked up to the lectern. Script in hand, she took a deep breath. 

“Physically, I haven’t felt like this in a long time. When I first got Bandit’s message I thought it could be a cruel joke… but nothing could be as cruel as this…”

“I haven’t been in great shape for a while, especially after my pregnancy… But Chilli was the one who helped me get back in shape. We went on walks together, played hockey… together…” cough “It was great, and now I’m 15 kilograms down…” She looked at Stripe who was smiling, and then at her children.

“Not only that, but she got me through a time of uncertainty. And I have my two angels because of her…” Socks gave a full, innocent smile back when she noticed Trixie.

Trixie continued for a bit longer talking about hockey games they won and sports they tried together. Wendy, the family’s next-door neighbor, was next. Her expression remained stern as she approached the lectern.

“I am incredibly proud of Chilli Heeler. Her will and mental fortitude were second to none. Even on days when Bandit couldn’t be at home with her, she always did what she put her mind to…” 

“I recall seeing her working on her front porch one time. And she was a few months pregnant! I thought she was crazy… Of course, I offered my help, which she reluctantly accepted. Another time, she told me about a rough day she had at work. From what she described, I was surprised she could even stay standing to talk to me! And she was talking about making dinner soon! I told her to make Bandit do it, and she agreed with me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she made it herself anyway… She’s really something…” Wendy's expression softened for a second and she grabbed the lectern. She quickly stood up straight again.

“The day I was most proud of her was when she finally asked me for help with dinner. Oh, I forget what Bandit was doing– probably out with the kids… Regardless, I came over with Judo, and us three, we truly made a feast that night…” She paused, forgetting where she was.

“Oh. Uh, thank you all…” She quickly walked back to her seat.

Mort, Chilli’s dad, slowly walked up. “Hey everyone…” He took some notes out of his pocket and adjusted his reading glasses.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve lost someone very dear to all of us… very dear to me… When I lost her, I knew that whatever pain I was feeling, my daughters felt tenfold…” He looked at Bluey/Bingo. Only Bluey was paying attention to what was said. He turned his attention to Brandy, sitting in the front row. “But they both remained strong…”

“That’s when Chilli started hosting most cookouts and events. Heh. That girl’s cooking could bring warmth to any soul… I couldn’t come to many of them living out in the woods n’ all. But I was so proud of her… even when I couldn’t make it. She brought us together.” He made a fist and beat the right side of his chest. He dropped his fist back to his side. “I just hope she can keep bringing us together…” He looked out into the small crowd, most were crying or holding back tears.

He nodded, then walked off. Frisky was next. Her face was slightly puffy and red. The past week and a half has been rough for her.

“Hey…” She wiped off her face with a napkin from her purse. “Chilli Heeler was the one who inspired me to go to college and pursue my career in the fashion industry.” Her speech was slightly slurred, but she continued. “When we got out of high school, I was considering college, but I assumed I was just gonna go into the workforce, maybe at some computer job. But no, Chilli told me that I have more potential than… I thought…”

“Man… she had so much more potential… God, it’s not…” She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “She told me I have more potential than I thought. Now I’m a few months away from graduating and work as a tailor!” She paused again, thinking about Chilli’s career. She started talking under her breath, “airport security… she could’ve been…” She stopped, not wanting to say anything negative about her. “I’m going to miss her… I appreciate seeing you all here… by the way. Thank you…” She quickly returned to her seat.

Brandy stood up. She didn’t have any notes or a script. Everyone was subconsciously prepared for what Chilli’s sister was going to say.

“When I found out what happened… I was shocked. I took a shower afterward, but even then I just felt… empty…”

“I’m glad we could reconnect after a few years of not seeing each other. My biggest regret is not coming back sooner… because I know she would’ve been there for me… always.” Brandy played with her fingers on the lectern before returning to her seat.

Bandit quickly got up and started walking up to the lectern, getting a glimpse of Brandy’s face. He was surprised she didn’t say more. However, he was more worried about his speech.

Tina, Tanya, Tina, Tanya… 

Bingo wasn’t paying attention to anybody’s speeches. She was just thinking, letting her imagination run wild while watching her legs swing back and forward. Bluey sat next to her, invested in everyone’s speeches.

Bingo popped up in her seat. “Do you think we could go to her,” she whispered. Bluey was confused at first. “Aunty Brandy said that Chilli can’t come to us… So what if we went to her?” Bluey got what she was saying now. “I don’t think that’s how it works Bingo…”

“Oh…” Bingo looked down at her feet before hearing something Bandit said. “The games and the worlds that our children created are incredible. All they need is someone like her to bring them to life…” Bingo thought for a second. “Could we… magic her back?” Bluey looked over. “I could write a note to the fairies… maybe they could help.” “No Bingo… none of that stuff is real… remember?”

“Oh yeah…” Bingo, again, looked down at her feet. Bluey started to get emotional. Her sister’s innocence pierced straight through her. She saw her head poke up again, ready to see if another of her ideas could work. Bluey just closed her eyes and looked away. Bingo’s voice turned into a high-pitched noise. Before she could finish her idea, Bluey stopped her.

“No Bingo… Mum is gone…”

Bingo was surprised. “I don’t know where exactly…” Bluey started to cry. “But I think she’s in the same place as the budgie…”

Bingo didn’t say anything. Her legs are still now. She again listened to what Bandit was saying. “I miss her… so much…”

…

“This is really sad…” Bingo started to tear up. “Yeah… it is,” Bluey replied, putting an arm around Bingo.

-End of Chapter 8-