Wings

Goodbye

The morning sun hid behind the winter clouds.I opened my eye's.As I heard a slight knock on my door.I rolled my eye's and closed my eye's and tried to go back to sleep.I heard a voice get louder.Until I recognized it was my dad's voice.

"Fia,up.We are going back to Vinger today"

I rolled my eyes and said

"Are we flying?"

My dad said

"Nei,We are driving.Caleb and his mum are going to be in the same vehicle as us"

I said very sternly, trying to act strong for Caleb

"When is the funeral?,We have been here two days.Things are moving very quickly"

My dad looked back at me and said

"It is tomorrow,I am driving the hearse with his Caleb's dad coffin"

I took a deep breath in and said

"Pappa,Does Caleb know the funeral is tomorrow?"

He looked up, showing his strength and said

"Ja,I told him this morning,that's why I woke you up this early"

I frowned and said

"Pappa,You're doing a good job.And a good friend to Caleb's mum"

He said proudly

"I try,I feel.I kinda have too help"

I asked my dad

"Where's mum?"

My pappa smiled rapidly

"Sleeping,She was up late last night,organizing the funeral"

I looked at my dad and said

"Pappa,What is my job to do during this?"

He said frowning

"Keep Caleb and his mum well.Take care of them"

I said

"Can there be bagpipes at the funeral?"

My dad said

"Why?"

I said to my dad

"Pappa,It's common practice in Scotland to do that.It is a symbol of respect.

Just like how here in your family we give grave goods,In mum's family a Scottish family.We don't.Men wear kilts or suits,there are bagpipes and a service after the funeral."

He looked slightly embarrassed and said

"Oh,I thought your mum was joking,sorry"

I looked at him in shock

"Absolutely not.It is a sign of respect for the dead.A final send off,Dad I reckon it would be a good idea to go and apologize to mum"

He said

"Ja,I think I should"

I quickly said

"Close the door please on your way out"

He left the door open.I rolled my eyes in agitation.And got up to close the door until I saw Caleb.

"Fia!,Ouch.Aye, ya bugger my foot"

As he walked to the door.I realized I had just swung shut the door on his foot.Caleb started laughing

"Ouch,Careful Mo gaol"