Chapter 26
26. Thanatophobia
There was a day, a rain-drenched winter's day, wherein the last breaths of London's leaves clung to the rain-soaked earth.
Perhaps it was due to the humility of the funeral, or perhaps the thought of receiving the rain's touch to salute my father's final journey was too much for them, but not even half the seats reserved were filled when the coffin bearing my father was taken to the crematorium.
I, having been notified late and having rushed from the confines of Cambridge, arrived at the culmination of the ceremony. My mother, being drenched by the rain, kept her face veiled behind a shroud, offering no glimpse of the emotions etched onto her features.
"Philemon, your presence here soothes my heart somewhat."
"Where is Bazel, that scoundrel?"
My question echoed abruptly. My heart was brimming more with rage than sorrow.
"You're no longer a child, choose your words wisely in consideration of our circumstance. We informed him of the event, yet it appears he failed to acknowledge it. It would seem he provided us with an incorrect address."
"How could he…."