A Good Day For A Funeral

Today is a good day for a funeral. A pouring rain dripping off two black umbrellas made for a solemn occasion. Only the sound of mud sloshing onto polished oak accompanies the rain’s odd melody. A slim figure shifts, revealing his pale complexion under a contrasting black. A slender white hand protrudes from his overcoat, holding his umbrella.

“Did you know him?”

He looks over to see a young girl beneath the umbrella. Her eyes, smeared with tears and raindrops, peer at him inquisitively.

“No. I didn’t.” he replies in a glum voice.

“Oh,” she stutters, turning her face away, “I just thought…”

“You thought I knew him because I came to his funeral,” he interrupted.

“Well, yes, that’s the way funerals usually work don’t they? People who know the person show up.”

If that were the case,” he continues, “why are you the only one here?”

A roll of thunder echoes across the sky. “I guess people don’t like the rain,” she says finally.

“Aye,” he says, “that is why I am here.”

“I don’t understand,” she says quizzically.

“Let me ask you this. Would you go to a murderer’s or a thief’s funeral?”

“I doubt it,” She says.

“Exactly,” he replies, “I go to the funerals that no one else care about.”

“But why?” she asks.

“Because, everyone deserves to have someone at their funeral, no matter who they are.”