Homeward by Melody Carlson

Author:Melody Carlson [Carlson, Melody]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

NINETEEN

The next morning, Meg and Erin both agreed that Sigfried should have the honor of scattering Sunny’s ashes as they flew out over the Pacific in the small single-engine plane. Meg wouldn’t admit that the thought of handling Sunny’s remains made her uneasy, but she suspected Erin felt the same. They both watched as Sigfried held the urn out the window with a straight arm, then ceremoniously turned it upside down, holding it there for several seconds as they watched the powdery white ashes get swept up in the wind. The pilot circled back around, and Meg thought she saw a small white cloud drifting down, but then decided it was probably just the sunlight reflecting off the window.

Sigfried kept his face turned to the window as the pilot headed toward shore, looking back to the place where he had let the ashes fall. When he finally turned around, there were two lines of tears streaming down his face. It was the first time Meg had seen him cry. Trying to respect his privacy, she looked the other way, studying the line of pale sand bordering the blue of the water. It was obvious that Sigfried had loved Sunny very much, whatever their relationship had been.

After they landed and climbed from the plane, Sigfried gave Erin and Meg a hug right there on the tarmac.

“Sunny was a beautiful woman,” he said. “You two should be very proud to be her daughters.” As they walked back to their cars, Sigfried reminded them of Sunny’s final exhibit at the gallery that night.

“I know you’ve made it clear that you won’t fill us in on any of the details, but can you at least tell us who might be there or what we should wear?” asked Erin. “And can I assume it’s okay for the girls to come?”

“Certainly. The girls will enjoy it, I think. As far as people, it’s just some of Sunny’s closest friends,” Sigfried explained. “And I think Sunny would like it if you considered it a festive occasion. Dress as if for a grand party. That’s what Sunny intended it to be.”

When Meg got back to Grandmother’s house, she was surprised to find Grandmother sitting on the porch in her old rocker. Her aluminum walker was parked close by.

“Grandmother?” said Meg. “Did you walk out here all by yourself?”

Grandmother nodded her head smugly. “I’m tired of being an invalid, Meggie. I’ve decided if I’m going to die, then I might as well have a good time on my way out.” She rocked gently back and forth. “This chair feels grand, Meggie.”

“Just be careful you don’t trip over any of these loose floorboards,” warned Meg as she sat down on the top step and looked toward the ocean.

“You get her ashes all taken care of, then?” Grandmother’s voice was tight, as if the words were painful. Meg knew the idea of cremation went against the grain with the old woman.

“Yes.” The ashes were probably settling into the water as they spoke.

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