The day of the funeral was dismal, grey clouds ruled the skies and the sight of rain showers made the atmosphere feel moist.

The day wasn't going to improve, even if something small and positive did occur. It wouldn't brighten the spirits of Elena.

It was the day of sorrow. The day that she didn't want to experience until a few decades later.

George had died so young. His whole life shattered and blown apart. He always had such a good outlook on life. And now, there was no life left. He was now a distant image. Faded away in Elena's mind.

Her hands trembled as she placed a small black scarf around her neck to keep her warm. After all, the weather wasn't going to be perfect. She wore black all over from head to toe. Black wasn't George's favourite colour, but black was a tradition at funerals.

Elena had been to a few of them. But to lose her soul-mate forever? It was just something out of a nightmare.

Who would have ever thought that everyone lived forever? Sometimes, things do have to come to an end.

Elena's friend from secondary school Kath entered the bedroom where Elena was. The bedroom was now so eerie and silent. The spark of the room had vanished.

'Elena,' spoke Kath in a soft tone, 'It's time to go.'

Elena rose from the side of the bed. The bed that she shared with George.

'Take this,' said Kath as she handed Elena a small flower, 'He loved flowers. He would have wanted you to wear one.'

Elena did not speak. She solemnly took the flower and placed it in her jacket pocket.

Slowly, Elena took one final look around her room. She could hear George's voice pricking in the corner of her mind.

As she sat in the back of the blue brand new car which belonged to Kath and her husband, she stared down at the floor.

'I am all alone in this world,' she thought, 'Without an other half, I don't know how things will go on.'

Kath saw Elena staring down towards the ground, 'Do you feel sick?'

Elena looked up, 'No. Just tired.'

That statement wasn't completely true however she hadn't been sleeping well since that fateful day.

Kath gave Elena a sympathetic smile, 'If you feel unwell, let me know.'

Elena didn't reply as the car engine roared into life. She stared out of the window at her house as they drove away.

'Kath is one amazing friend,' thought Elena, 'She has changed so much since our days at school.'

The drive to the Church didn't take very long. But for Elena, it felt like a lifetime. She nervously stepped out of the car in the small car park of the Church. Kath walked around the side of the car to offer Elena support.

'Take my arm,' said Kath, 'You and I will be fine.'

Elena did not smile. She looked up sadly at the tall stone building which was the local Church St Luke's. The same Church that she and George had gotten married in all those years ago.

'Come, George wouldn't want you to cry.' whispered Kath.

By now, tears were starting to form in Elena's eyes. Deep down inside, she was crying tears of a waterfall.

The Reverend of the Church stood by the door to welcome the visitors who were invited to the funeral. He held out a hand for Elena to shake.

'And now Ms Mead. You have a special seat for you right at the front of the Church.'

Elena accepted his hand shake, 'By the coffin?'

'Yes,' he replied, 'So you can say your final goodbyes.'

'But I don't want to say my final goodbyes,' thought Elena, 'I need him here.'

Kath looked at Elena, 'Let's go.'

Slowly, Elena and Kath walked into the Church. There was a quiet pause as the congregation looked towards her. Elena could feel everyone staring at her but she did not look at anyone. She sat down as pale and frail as a mouse.

Kath still held gently onto Elena's arm, 'If you feel faint, you must tell me.'

Elena gave a small nod, 'I promise.'

There was a hushed silence as the man sitting by the organ started to play the opening tune. Slowly, Elena stood up and waited for the coffin which bared her late husband to travel past.

She did not turn to look up the aisle and see the coffin nor did she speak to Kath. She stared straight ahead with her mind completely unfocused and away in her dreams.

The coffin bearers were six men. Four of them were friends of George. One of them was his older brother Stephen and the sixth their next door neighbour.

It felt like a million years by the time the coffin was settled down in front of Elena. Elena trembled. Kath turned to look at her.

'My God,' thought Kath, 'The poor woman.'

Elena was trying hard not to start sobbing. She didn't want to cause an outburst.

'My dear friends, today we are gathered here for the service celebrating the life of George Edward Mead. A husband, a brother, a friend and a well-respected member of our community.' spoke the Reverend.

As the service went on, Elena didn't look at the readers or the Reverend or anyone else. Her eyes were firmly fixed on her late husband's resting place.

She also couldn't hear what everyone was saying. Elena was totally blocked out in her own world. Away from the reality.

Members of George's family and friends paid tribute to George but Elena by now was too disturbed to listen in.

Suddenly, she felt a small poke from Kath, 'The final hymn.'

Dazed, Elena stood up and tried to sing but no words came out. Nothing.

As the final organ note was played, tears had already started to fall down Elena's face. Kath stared at her friend. Elena was just unable to control her emotions.

As some people left the Church, Elena was escorted by Kath outside to the burial. The spot which overlooked the sea. It truly was a magnificent view.

The Reverend began to talk. Elena watched numbly as the coffin was lifted in to the spot down in the ground. A few people started to throw flowers in as the coffin was lifted.

Kath tapped Elena's arm, 'Take some.'

Elena looked at the sight, 'I cannot. I really cannot.'

Kath was taken aback by her reaction, 'I understand that you are really shaken up but Elena.'

'Alright.' moaned Elena as she took some flowers off her friend's hand.

Elena stood forward and chucked the flowers in. A single white rose landed on top of the coffin. This was the closest that Elena was able to get to him.

This truly was Elena's final goodbye and she knew it.

Kath helped her away from the coffin as the small crowd started to leave.

Elena looked at her in earnest, 'Give me five more minutes.'

Kath sighed, 'OK.'

Elena watched as Kath walked towards the Church gates. She opened her mouth to speak.

'George...' she began, 'Oh George... How on earth am I going to live without you?' she whispered as tears trickled down her cheeks, 'I need you with me. I cannot cope if you are not here with me. How am I going to continue our dream when in actual fact, there is only me?'

There was silence but she could feel George's presence with her.

'I promise I will never find another man. Never. Unless you want me too.' she spoke.

Kath looked towards her, 'Elena!'

Elena sighed. Sometimes she wished Kath wasn't so impatient.

She blew him one final kiss before stumbling over towards Kath. Kath helped her into the car.

'Now, to the meal.' she said.

'Nooooooo.' moaned Elena, 'Just no.'

'Elena, you need something to eat and besides, having a meal is a good way to celebrate George's life.'

'No,' declared Elena, 'I cannot face anyone at the moment. Take me home please.'

Kath stared, 'But everyone is expecting you.'

'I don't care, just take me home.' spoke Elena as she tried to wipe away tears.

Kath sighed. She had lost that battle with her.

As the car drove away from the Church, Elena turned around and gave it one final look before Kath sped away in the car.

This was by far the worst day in her entire life.