Friends Forever...

Stephanie's eyes flooded with tears as she laid a bouquet of crimson red roses on the grave of her husband. Her partner had left her years ago but still the wound of separation was fresh for her. The old woman kneeled, closed her eyes and lowered her head. Not even a minute had passed when she heard someone. Opening her eyes she looked around. But from her vantage point she couldn’t see anyone. Every Tuesday she visited the cemetery at this hour of the day when it was mostly deserted. She liked the solitude. But today, she wasn’t alone. The lady could still hear someone talk. She held her breath and focused her sense of hearing to detect the direction of the incoming voice. It was prominent on her left.

Curious, she got up and walked towards the source. A little ahead, she found a young boy sitting on a grave. He was reading something from a book which he had rested on his lap. Considering it as an offense to the dead she approached him.

“Hello dear.”

Interrupted, the boy stopped reading and looked at her. “Hello, how may I help you?”

“Oh, no… no, I’m fine. Sorry to interrupt you. But, you shouldn’t sit on someone’s grave.”

“But, why? He doesn't mind.”

“He? I’m sorry, whom are you talking about?”

“My friend.” The boy replied.

The old lady glanced around, but couldn’t find anyone nearby.

“Sorry, son, but I couldn’t see anyone around.”

“Neither can I, but he is here.”

Confused, she asked, “Where?”

“Inside this grave.” The boy answered.

Taken aback, the woman felt sorry for the boy’s loss. Composing herself, she said, “I’m sure you two were good friends, but it’s considered disrespectful. You can’t sit on someone’s grave.”

“But, I promised him that I would read him a story everyday.”

“You can sit beside the grave and read as much as you want.”

“But, I asked for his permission before sitting on his grave.”

By now the lady was irritated. “Dead don’t reply.”

“But, he did.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Then let me ask for his permission one more time in front of you.” He didn’t wait for the old lady to speak. “John, is it okay if I sit on your grave and read to you?”

As if in response, there was a loud thumping from underneath the grave. The old lady staggered backward in shock. Was there a possibility people buried him alive? Then she glanced at the headstone. It stated the boy had died five days ago.