A coworker, Robert, with whom he was particularly close, spoke next. He described Robert's intelligence, work ethic, and sense of humor. The two had spent much time together while working at the construction firm, but even more so since their retirements.
He had been quite upset when Robert needed to be moved to a care facility. Since he was also getting on in years, visiting was difficult, but they video-chatted whenever Robert was lucid and could remember him.
After he finished, it was Violet's turn. Although black wasn't technically required at funerals, she wore a simple black dress and tied her hair up with a black ribbon. Keeley also wore black, reflecting her despair.
"Hello everyone," she began. "I'm Violet, and I wanted to speak today to tell my grandpa I loved him one last time. We were very close. He never missed a single one of my concerts or recitals before he was too ill to drive."
Tears filled her eyes, and she continued in a choked voice. "He was there for every holiday, every Sunday dinner, and almost every vacation. My childhood would have been completely different without him. I'll always miss him, but I'm glad he's with Grandma and Uncle Kaleb again. He missed them terribly."
Violet burst into tears and had to sit down, unable to finish. Since she was seated between Kaleb and Oliver, they both embraced her as she buried her face in her hands.
Tears streamed down their cheeks. Robert had always supported them, too. He attended almost all of Kaleb's sporting events (too many to count) and never missed any of Oliver's robotics competitions.
The two had many long discussions about engineering over the years, despite the differences between civil and mechanical engineering. Robert had encouraged his grandson's love of building from the time he was a toddler, building towers out of blocks.
After Violet sat down, the pastor invited those wishing to pay their respects at the graveside to proceed to the cemetery. People began to leave, most stopping to offer condolences to the Hales.
Keeley and Nathan clung to Aaron, who maintained composure for his family's sake. He shook hands while his wife could barely manage a tearful nod.
A few people approached Violet, who was still sobbing into her twin's shoulder, with Oliver standing protectively beside them. One was Lila Clark, Alice's oldest daughter.
"I liked your tribute, Violet. It captured your grandpa's essence well," Lila said softly. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," Kaleb replied for his sister, who was crying too hard to speak.
Lila nodded and left. A few other family friends, including Liam and Elsa Quinn, also approached. Liam was a close friend of Oliver's, sharing a love of building.
Kaleb was surprised Noah hadn't approached them at the church, but supposed he knew his sister best; Noah likely assumed she didn't want to be disturbed.
He caught up with her at the graveside as she stood alone with the rose she intended to place on her grandfather's casket, which had already been lowered.
"Hey Vi," Noah said gently, holding up his own rose. "Want to drop them together?"
Violet looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "If I drop it, it will feel like he's truly gone."
He put an arm around her shoulders. "I know. But we're the last ones here. Everyone else is going for ice cream. Your mom suggested it, thinking sugar might cheer everyone up."
She almost smiled. It seemed the end of the funeral had grounded her mother. Keeley Hale had been distant all week.
Violet nodded, and without counting down, they released their roses simultaneously. She stared at the roses on the grave before looking up at the headstone.
Her mother had brought her here several times before, on the anniversary of Monica and Kaleb Hall's deaths. It was strange to finally see a death date on the joint headstone Robert had purchased for himself and his wife—there hadn't been one for many years.
With a sad sigh, Violet allowed her friend to lead her back to the parking lot.
Aaron was immensely relieved that his family was beginning to recover after the funeral. Keeley had returned to work two days earlier, allowing him to finally visit his half-brother in prison.
He usually visited on the second Wednesday of each month, but that had been last week, when his wife was distraught. He took the week off work to be with her, unable to leave her side.
Discovering that Keeley wasn't going to relapse into the depression she experienced in their previous life was a huge weight off his shoulders. So, Aaron reluctantly rescheduled his prison visit.
Visiting Gray had been a monthly obligation for seventeen years, but it was necessary. The man would likely be released within five years, and Aaron didn't want him to harbor resentment when that happened. He had a family to protect.
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