Promise Me //1D Completed [✔️]

An Eternal Memory

Tegan's P.O.V
November 2012

~~~

Today is the funeral. In Leyton, things have been incredibly difficult. Mrs. Marjorie Willis hasn't been the same. Molly and Joy have been quiet. Food tastes different. Sleeping is the only peace.

I am changed, forever.

Forever, everything is changed.

Oliver's absence will never be unnoticed.

~~~

Stepping out of the shower, I dress in a solid black dress and toe pointed black flats. I brush my hair, pulling half of it in a small ponytail and leaving the rest down. The circles under my eyes can be seen from the moon.

Downstairs, in the kitchen, Mrs. Marjorie Willis is wearing a long sleeved black dress and shows with a slight heel. Mr. Willis is wearing black slacks and a black sweater, a white collar peeking from the top.

I grab a bagel from the bread box, dropping it in the toaster. The girls come down wearing their twee dresses.

No one has a much to say.

~~~

Our Pastor for church speaks about Oliver. The pews filled by Mr. Fisher, Mrs. Fisher, our classmates, teachers, friends from church, a few strangers. The boys sit in one pew, dressed in black or grey cashmere sweaters over button up shirts with slacks and dress shoes.

"Next, we will be hearing from the lovely Tegan." Pastor introduces me, extending his arm from his side.

Mrs. Marjorie Willis pats my knee before I stand. Slowly, I walk towards the small stage, standing behind the podium, I place my notebook on the surface. I glance up from the podium, scanning the ceremony, then clearing my throat.

"Oliver and I invented our own kind of family. We were much more than a pair of friends. We did everything together, barely taking a step in life without one another. Recently, Oliver shared with me he wasn't afraid of death, simply explaining it did not concern him because when that day came that he would no longer be here, he wouldn't have anything to worry about. Something I never considered was that maybe, I was afraid of him dying." I glance down at my paper, taking a deep breath. "Grief intrudes your life impolitely and inconsiderately, demanding to be the only thought you have or feeling you feel. In my newfound relationship with grief, I have found comfort in the bittersweet reality. In life, I loved him dearly. In death, I love him deeply, still. In my heart, there's a place that belongs to Oliver always. At first glance, a future without him felt unimaginable. Now, I know my future exists and in every living thing I do, Oliver will be lived through me. He lived shortly, but fulfillingly. This adventure is not over."

I glance at the pews, smiling tightly. No tears falling from my eyes.

~~~

After the ceremony closes, I am bombarded with tights hugs and soft spoken words of condolences and admired strength. How bittersweet, for a moment, a stranger and I share grieve for someone who had affected both our lives'. Food and flowers pile on a table for Mr. and Mrs. Fisher.

"Mrs. Fisher," I whisper, reaching for her arm.

"Tegan," She quickly wraps her arms around my shoulders.

~~~

Rewritten May 2020

THIS MADE ME CRY FOR SOME REASON