chapter fourteen
"bury a friend"

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The Funeral ━━ Hacketts Quarry 2021

THE SKY was overcast, as the group gathered in the small cemetery on the outskirts of North Kill. Each of their faces etched with grief and exhaustion. Before them, two fresh graves marked the final resting places of Emma and Jacob.

The funeral director, a solemn man in a dark suit, stood before the gathered mourners. His voice, though not loud, carried clearly across the quiet cemetery.

"We are gathered here today to remember and honor Emma Mountebank and Jacob Custos," he began, his tone respectful and measured. "Two young lives cut tragically short. Emma and Jacob came to Hackett's Quarry with dreams of a summer filled with friendship, laughter, and new experiences. They touched the lives of many during their brief time here."

The survivors listened in silence, each lost in their own memories of Emma and Jacob. Ryan squeezed Dylan's hand, offering silent support as they remembered their friends.

The funeral director continued, "While we mourn their loss, we also celebrate the light they brought into the world. Emma, with her vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm. Jacob, with his warmth and unwavering loyalty to his friends. They may have left us too soon, but the impact they had on those around them will endure."

As he spoke, a gentle rain began to fall, as if the sky itself was weeping for the lives lost.

"In times of tragedy, we often search for meaning, for answers," the funeral director said, his eyes moving over the gathered mourners. "But sometimes, the greatest honor we can give to those we've lost is to carry their memory with us, to live our lives with the same passion and kindness they showed in theirs."

One by one, the survivors each placed a white rose on the graves, a final farewell to their friends. As they stepped back, the funeral director concluded the service with a moment of silence, allowing everyone to reflect and remember in their own way.

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After the ceremony, the group gathered at a nearby diner. The mood was glum but there was also a sense of relief, of burdens finally being set down.

"So, what happens now?" Dylan asked, looking around the table. "Do we just... go back to our normal lives?"

Kaitlyn shook her head. "I don't think any of us can go back to 'normal' after what we've been through. But we can move forward."

Lilith, who had been quiet for most of the gathering, finally spoke up. "I won't be around for a while," she said softly. "My family... we're having a private service for Aiden. It's time to finally bring him home." The others nodded in understanding, offering words of support and comfort.

As they left the diner and stepped out into the late afternoon sun, there was a sense of a chapter closing. Lilith gave Nicks hand a squeeze as they stood with the group, a feeling of reassurance washing over them both.

"So, I guess this is it," she said, her voice a mix of emotions. "God, how do you even say goodbye after something like this?"

Dylan stepped forward, a sad smile on his face. "Maybe we don't say goodbye. Maybe it's just... see you later?"

Abi nodded, wiping a tear from her eye. "I like that. We've been through too much together to just say goodbye."

And just like that, one by one, they began to hug and say their goodbyes.

Lilith and Nick lingered behind, watching as their friends departed. When the last car had pulled away, Nick turned to Lilith, his eyes soft with a mix of emotions. "So," he said, his voice quiet, "a private service for Aiden. How are you holding up?"

Lilith took a deep breath, her gaze distant. "It's... complicated. I've been searching for answers for so long, and now that I have them..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "I'm not sure how to feel."

Nick nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It's okay not to know. You've been through a lot."

They started walking down the sidewalk, no particular destination in mind. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of nearby pine trees.

"What about you?" Lilith asked, glancing at Nick. "What's next for you?"

Nick chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly? I have no idea. Everything I thought I knew about the world, about myself... it's all changed."

Lilith nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Nick spoke again. "You know, despite everything... I'm glad I met you, Lilith. I just wish it had been under better circumstances."

Lilith's smile widened slightly. "Maybe we can work on that. Make some new, better circumstances?"

Nick's eyebrows raised, a hint of hope in his expression. "Yeah? What did you have in mind?"

"Well," Lilith said, her voice taking on a playful tone, "I was thinking maybe we could start with coffee. Something normal, you know? No werewolves, no curses, just... us."

Nick's face broke into a genuine grin. "Coffee sounds perfect. And maybe after that, we could go for a hike?" His eyes widened as he realized what he'd said. "I mean, not in those woods, obviously. Somewhere else. Somewhere with less... history."

Lilith laughed, the sound light and free, so different from the tension-filled days they'd just been through. "A hike sounds great. As long as it's in broad daylight and far, far away from Hackett's Quarry."

"I agree wholeheartedly. It's a date."

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