Sink

  June 21, Saturday 11:30 a.m.

  Woodlawn Memorial Gardens

  Kathy Santos, dressed in black, walked slowly toward the open grave and tossed a single rose into the deep dank hole. It landed atop the walnut casket and slid slowly down the side into the bottom of the grave. The tears had streaked her makeup and she kept gently sobbing. The funeral pamphlet had "Sidel may he rest in peace" on the front cover and she was clutching it in a black gloved hand.

  "I only briefly knew him but I can really feel the loss." She said to Becky McClellan who was standing on her left side. "Such a tragic loss. It didn't have to happen."

  "Well Kathy. They say things always happen for the best. He might have messed up your life. This is probably better this way."

  Paul Zangallio walked up to the two women and said. "Did I tell you I saw Otis this morning at the hospital? They managed to set both his legs properly and he should be back on his feet in about two months."

  "That's great Paul. I know you really care for him." Kathy said. A small smile on her face. "I was just talking to Becky, Paul and I think she is right. Sometimes things happen for the best."

  She turned around and looked back at the minister and a tall well dressed man having an intimate conversation. She walked over to the two men and waited till they finished their talk before she interrupted. "I'm really sorry about your brother. I feel as big a loss as you must."

  "Thank you for sharing this time with me. It was a tragedy he died so young. You know, we have our whole life ahead of us and we can't let this take us down."

  Steve Sidel put his arm around Kathy's shoulder and started leading her back to the row of cars lining the tree-covered roadway.

  "You know that bullet could have killed you instead of him. It's funny how fate works but, in this case I'm glad it worked this way. Who would have ever thought that the mud in the barrel of the gun would blow up in his face instead of hitting you? I'm sorry your brother is dead but you are alive for me."

  "I can't wait to marry you and live happily ever after but, tell me one thing. How come you didn't tell me you were rich?"

  "Would it make any difference? I heard you weren't so poor yourself."

  "I have plenty of money for us to live comfortably the rest of our lives.

  "Then, I would like to take some of my money and invest it in Kevin and Bill's business. If they had enough clout they could prevent something like this from ever happening again."

  "I think that is a great idea, future wife of mine."

  He kissed her on the cheek and she looked him in the eye and said. "We will live happily ever after. I love you Steve."

  The End