The End?

Many short stories start with "It was a rainy day", but it was in fact a rainy day. The last thing I remember is lying down for a nap. I woke up a little claustrophobic inside a six feet coffin, six feet under. I could hear my family wailing and mourning. I could feel my daughter's tears mixed with the rain droplets musically tap against my coffin. I tried to push the lid up a couple of times until I heard "don't waste time, or do, it actually doesn't matter. But the sooner you ease into the process, the sooner we can be introduced". It was my 'neighbor' Mr. Alexander. I had been blessed with good neighbors all my life, the ones who saves your kid when he gets locked up in the house, ones who take your wife to the hospital when she jumps over the wall chasing the dog. 

Mr. Alexander was my tour guide, well actually he was a Professor and that too in philosophy, so you can imagine why I spend most of my time with my father-in-law. In all honesty, he is Dr. Alexander, but after being a neurosurgeon for thirty years, when one questions me of my own existence, I question the title I want to give him. So after Alexander briefed me about the place, I felt hungry and wondered where to grab a bite and was exhaustively reminded that "it is just habitual, you don't have an appetite. You just have feelings, you 'feel' hungry"." I knew I didn't just 'feel' the need to get out of there. I floated out of my body and were strolling for places to 'hang' around. Oh, come on! Suzy the Suicider thought it was funny. I'm a dad of three, people still don't get my dad jokes. Anyway, I was just grave hoping and decided to visit my father-in- law who was just across the wall. He was not as shocked to see me as I thought. I realized that many years of my life was like a big blank. Dementia took away my memory of walking my daughter down the aisle, playing with my granddaughter, seeing my eldest son settle in Canada and my youngest son get a job. I felt 'attacked'. That was a good one, I have to write it down. 

It was heart-shattering to know I tormented my wife who I loved so dearly, I would never intentionally harm her. I am possessive but never aggressive. After a warm conversation with my father-in-law, he introduced me to his parents and siblings whom I never met. We then grave-crashed into a party. It was fun at first with singing and dancing, until I had to medically explain the reason for most of them present, as to why they were here. 

I have a routine now and I am comfortable. I am at my lowest when I return back to my space and have to kiss Daniella on her forehead before she thinks she has to sleep. "You remind me of my grandpa, could you sing to me" she asked me so sweetly. I couldn't refuse on the first day. In unison, I was asked to stop on the second day. It has only been a week since she arrived. I wish I didn't have to explain to everyone, especially her, why she was with us. The only thing I could say to an innocent teary eyed six year old was "they don't have to be big, green or scary, your dad's friend is also a monster."

Hours, days and months 'passed' and now, Happy Anniversary to me! I am going to visit my parents tomorrow. I know it has been a long overdue and I am 'dying' to meet them. Now, if you didn't laugh for that, you have no sense of humor. But I know my wife and daughter will come to visit me today and it would seem rude if I am not a good host. I cleaned my grave by removing the unwanted roots and leaves. Alright, fine, the care taker did it. But it is only cause I can't, not cause I am lazy, Daisy. My sons are in Canada, so they can't physically come cause of the Covid restrictions. It's not cause they 'ghosted' me. I don't think I can top that one! But I will visit them after a few years with my parents.

Here comes my daughter with a beautiful flower arrangement. White really does look pretty!