Author Anon

Crowds are gathered at the funeral home where Julia lays.   Nicholas Cole makes his way amongst several small groups, mingling and gossiping.

“What a terrible loss for the community,” says one middle-aged man.

“Yes, it would be difficult to find another philanthropist like her,” says another.

“Hopefully, her family will carry on her good works,” says a woman in the group.

Nicholas moves to a younger set.

“It’s sad that Julia and her father had a rift for so long.  Now he is suffering a lot of grief,” says Tara.

“But I’m sure you’ll be able to help him through this,” says Belle.

“Yes, not to mention Alex as well,” says Ashley.  “I wouldn’t mind having him all to myself.”

Nicholas eavesdrops for a little longer, then he makes his way into the viewing room to catch a glimpse of Julia and to pay his respects to the various members of the family.

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“Do you think you feel well enough to go the viewing?” asks Rick.

“No,” says Lisa.  “Must you go?”

“Honey, I won’t take long.  Besides, it would really look bad for me not to go.”

“There’ll be so many people there, they probably won’t even notice.”

“Why don’t you come along?  You can sit in the car if you don’t want to go inside.”

“The whole world will be there and I don’t want to be stared at.”

Rick sighs.  “Look, honey, either I rush there and back, or you can come with me.”

Lisa contemplates the choices briefly.

“All right.  I’ll come but only if you promise we go directly in to the family to give our condolences, then leave.”

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“Will you be going back to London after the funeral, Tracy?” asks Dan.

“Actually, I’m thinking of staying a few days to sort things out,” says Tracy.

“I’m sure everything is in ship-shape order,” says Dan.  “After all, Julia continued to work until the very end.”

“Still, it’s best that I go through her personal belongings,” says Tracy.

“We have the whole family to do that,” says Dan.

“Somehow, I had the feeling mom wanted me to take over everything,” she says.  “So, I’d feel remiss in my duty if I didn’t do this myself.”

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“Mr. Golde, I want to extend my condolences to you and your family,” says Melanie.

“Thank you,” William says.  “That’s very kind.  But, I’m sorry, I can’t recall where we have met.”

“Oh, don’t apologize,” says Melanie.  “We haven’t met before.  I brought my daughters, Leslie and Carrie, for the viewing.  They helped take care of your wife in her last days and they became very attached.  She was a wonderful patient and they miss her very much.”

William looks over to the two girls who are audibly crying over Julia’s body.

“We appreciated their help,” he says.

“If there is anything we can do to help you in your grief,” Melanie says, smiling, “please let us know.  We’ll say a prayer for you and your family.”

“Thank you,” says William, and turns to the next guest.

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Nicholas is scanning the room, observing everyone’s movements.  He spies the Black girls at the casket.

“Oh, I can’t believe she’s gone,” cries Leslie.  Then she lowers her voice to Carrie, “Can you believe all those rings they put on her?”

“I’m going to miss her,” cries Carrie.  “Do you think they’re real?” she whispers back to Leslie.

Leslie leans closer to the body.  “They must be,” she says.  “Why would they bury her with fake ones.”

“Well, why would they want to bury real ones?” asks Carrie.

“Because they’re rich,” says Leslie.

“That’s a shame,” says Carrie.

“Once they close this casket, no one is going to miss a ring,” says Leslie.

“What are you thinking?” asks Carrie.

“Get closer to me and lean over,” says Leslie.

Carrie does so, and watches as Leslie removes a ring from one of Julia’s fingers.  They stand up and move off quickly.  Nicholas walks over to the body and examines it closely.

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Filed under: All That Glitters