Page 142 of Sing it, Sam

Chapter Fifty

On the coldest day in May on record in the falls, family and friends come together to farewell twenty-seven-year old Sam Dylan Marshall.

I bawl my eyes out during the service, and again at the cemetery. Each breath I take without him physically hurts, stings right to my core.

Ben guides me from the cemetery and ushers me into his car. I stare out the window until we arrive at the Willow Creek town hall.

“I need a minute,” I tell Ben as he opens his car door.

“Sure. I’ll just be inside.”

I blow my nose and re-do my hair before heading inside the old hall. Trestle tables are covered with lace tablecloths, with various platters of cut sandwiches and sweets, including a plate of my favourite Nutella cheesecake, on top.And I will need you, today, my sweet friend. Tubs are filled with ice and cans of soft drink, with bottles of beer to one side. Some faces I recognise and others I don’t talk in small groups, and soft music is playing in the background.

I look out onto the street as a bus pulls up to the curb. Kathleen is first to exit, followed by Paige, Mrs Cassidy and Mrs Jones. One by one, the residents from the home enter the hall, each wearing their best clothes and a comforting smile.I don’t believe it.

When Frederick stands before me with watery eyes, I rush into his embrace.

“Oh, love,” he croons, as his frail arms wrap around me. “My heart is broken for you.”

“Thank you for coming,” is all I can say in reply.

He rests his hands on my shoulders and holds me at arm’s length. “A few of us wanted to come to the service, but we didn’t want to impose.”

Such a gentleman. “You would’ve been more than welcome, but I’m glad you’re here now. All of you.”

I greet and hug each of them, biting back tears with every hello and short conversation.

When Britt, Hannah, Janice, and Leonie approach me as a group, I’m so overwhelmed by their support that I start fanning my face with my hands.

“Oh my god, you girls,” I cry out, and then cover my mouth. Together, they surround me and hug me until my ribs begin to ache.

“So sorry,” Hannah says in a quiet voice and kisses my cheek.

Janice places a hand on my shoulder and bows her head. “Even a wordsmith can’t put into words a suitable way to comfort someone’s sorrow on an occasion like this.”

“Thanks,” I choke out.

“We’re here for you, babe,” Leonie says, and pulls me into a one-on-one hug, her black fedora hat tipping off her head on to the floor.

“Thanks,” I mumble as Britt reaches for my hand.

I turn to face her. “Thank you, Britt.”

Her brows pull together. “What for?”

“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had as much time with Sam as I did.”

A hint of a smile tickles at her lips as she takes my face in her hands. “Rejoice in the good times, Jane. They’ll keep you going.” She places a soft kiss on my cheek.

“I will,” I say and nod.

“Of course, we want you back whenever you’re up to it,” Hannah says.

“I’ve been writing,” I blurt out. Each of them smiles. “It’s helping.”

“Good on you,” Leonie says. “Whenever you’re ready, or if you want to meet up for coffee or whatever, give us a call.”

“Thanks, girls.”

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