Truth Mirror

Everyone was dressed in black but those of his siblings and their children. The kids quickly placed their single daisy flowers to where the casket was lowered while their parents dropped handfuls of dirt in. One of the couples looked my way with such open disdain that I couldn't help but look down and chuckle silently. I knew I didn't belong there but felt obligated to. As the program closed, I collected my plates of food and headed to the exit. The family lawyer nodded my way and I returned it willingly. The adults in white tried shoulder checking me but I'd played these games before. They failed to do so as I slid next to their lawyer and did my best to look respectful. The eldest sibling who led them in stumbled and looked like he wanted to spit in my face. I continued to engage in this unexpected stare off. Knowing his wife and her importance of imagery, I peered over at the guests and their growing concern over this sudden silent situation so she gently pushed him to continue walking to the other guests they hadn't greeted yet. They grumbled in what I could only distinguish as their native language. I stopped at the table of memories they had set up for the main man's funeral I was invited and required to attend to.

The table was decorated with more daisies and old photos that were clearly ruined and set up with little thought. The only photo that wasn't in poor condition and had some light was of one where he was smiling while his arm blocking his eyes. A scar wrapped itself around his forearm from what I assumed was a burn of some sort. The rawness of the burn could be seen through the gauze but that did not faze me more than my own thoughts did.

I frowned, seeing the images of that dream that has played in my mind since I was 20. I thought to myself, He's hated daisies since he was young because of having to survive off of them when he got lost. He also loved art and depictions of everyday life in them. If there was anything he wanted at the end of his life, it would be the smell of chamomile in the air, jazz music lightly playing in the background, and a good memorial table. This just looks sad-

I caught myself before continuing that thought. I didn't know this man! He gave me everything of his despite my not remembering him during an encounter his lawyer had mentioned. This whole thing was tragic and confusing. How dare I presume what type of man he was... and though I was but a stranger to everyone here, I knew that I was right. I knew the simple things this man cared about and maybe that's why I was here- not just out of respect but also because I knew deep down, we knew each other.

The smell from La Barbecue lingered through the dining room and mixed with fresh blueberry muffins. The lights were dimmed but the fairy lights kept me from being enveloped by the potential of darkness.

"How was the funeral, hon?"

My shoulders rose and gradually relaxed at the sight of a chamomile tea decorated apron.

"Good... but weird."

Entire estates and a trust fund large enough to cover future generations were entrusted to me from a man I thought I had no connection to and was mistakenly requested by. I'd tried to discuss that this must've been incorrect but was shot down instantly.

His lawyer had almost every bit of information on me whereas I wouldn't be surprised if they knew my social too. We were set for life.

"I'm still so uncertain about all this... but I am also grateful."

When we'd gotten a personal letter from him himself, I was convinced that it was a scam and had nearly thrown it away. That is until we started receiving calls from his very famous and former family. A barrage of harassment and verbal abuse was thrown my way but they were strangers so that had meant nothing to me who believed they had the wrong person. It wasn't till I had been contacted by several companies on what to do with my rising funds that I began to take things seriously. Within the week, his former and now my personal lawyer visited my workplace with several other company heads, needing me to sign papers and what not. They all sat with me as I confirmed for hours that what had been in that letter was true. I had a hard time breathing throughout the whole ordeal because I didn't believe this was all real. This wasn't possible! But with the encouragement of my partner who stood beside me, we got through the stress and acceptance of this new reality.

He chuckled and kissed my forehead. He lifted my hand to his face and I wiped some blueberry compote from his cheek and lips. He knew me too well from that simple action.

"I'm sure he sees gratitude as one of your best points. From what I know, he's a sure man and you should trust yourself that you're a good person and that he knows that."

I nodded, trying to give myself some reassurance. His way of speaking in present tense finally calmed the nerves I'd been holding in. My stomach grumbled and he smiled, inching the plate of blueberry muffins closer. The scent of lemon was swiftly pushing my mind to other things.

"You're right. I should be grateful and focus on other things. Like this!"

We raised our muffins in the air.

"To gratitude!"

We toasted to that. As I enjoyed my muffin, he grabbed a hold of my chair to scoot closer to him. I laughed to myself right before I settled into his side. The image of that man's scar flashed in my brain. It was near identical to the man beside me but opposite to his. With the warm and cozy atmosphere and a full stomach, I elected to ignore such coincidences.