the_chappy (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
the_chappy) wrote2006-08-24 03:26 am
the_chappy) wrote2006-08-24 03:26 am
OOM: The Wake
There were some things he never wanted to do and some things he never imagined himself doing.
Like preparing the body of a friend for a wake.
Elaine had decided that Tony's corpse needed to be prepared, his wounds dressed and that tarp removed. It might be more difficult to explain the shroud he was wrapped in now, the gauzy white cloth that covered his body, with just one thin layer over his face like a veil. This shroud raise more questions than just leaving him in the tarp, a fact that bothered Ryan, but that option didn't seem ... decent. It was distasteful on a visceral level, offending something that went beyond logic.
Visit the sick. Harbor the harborless. Ransom the captive. Bury the dead.
That didn't make this much easier though. It was out of respect, duty and even pride that he was here. He couldn't leave Elaine to do this alone, that was never an option. Still, it was hard to look at the ashen skin and the wounds and not be horrified, not wonder about what his own body had looked like. One bullet wound but the entry point was different and Ryan was grateful for that. The neat, small entry wound in Tony's forehead was easy to cover with bandages, still leaving his face visible. Intact. Lying over the body, on his chest, was a small bouquet of white lilies.
The only problem after the wake would be the burial. Something would have to be done soon. He knew the others were waiting to see if Michelle would arrive here or what the chatter on the mission...
But it couldn't wait any longer. They'd have to take care of the body and he had to be done soon. It didn't matter what condition the body was in, it just wasn't right to wait. It seemed disrespectful somehow. Not to mention the unspoken hope that he knew was shared by the others that if Tony was buried maybe he could come back to Milliways. It was insane and sounded almost like Milliways' own version of superstition but it also made a strange sort of sense. Tony would come back here if he could so what else could be keeping him but this?
The still sparsely decorated room has more furniture in it now. Along with the bed that the body lay on - a single, covered with a white sheet and pushed horizontal against the wall opposite the door - there were also a few folding chairs in case anyone needed to sit during the blessing.
Across the hall, in Room 515, there was none of the usual bedroom furniture, just chairs, tables and two couches. On one table there was food, plates and napkins. On the other table (and in the two coolers underneath) there are soft drinks, coffee, tea and a wide variety of liquors.
Ryan walks over to the doorway where Elaine is standing and waits for people to come by.
Like preparing the body of a friend for a wake.
Elaine had decided that Tony's corpse needed to be prepared, his wounds dressed and that tarp removed. It might be more difficult to explain the shroud he was wrapped in now, the gauzy white cloth that covered his body, with just one thin layer over his face like a veil. This shroud raise more questions than just leaving him in the tarp, a fact that bothered Ryan, but that option didn't seem ... decent. It was distasteful on a visceral level, offending something that went beyond logic.
Visit the sick. Harbor the harborless. Ransom the captive. Bury the dead.
That didn't make this much easier though. It was out of respect, duty and even pride that he was here. He couldn't leave Elaine to do this alone, that was never an option. Still, it was hard to look at the ashen skin and the wounds and not be horrified, not wonder about what his own body had looked like. One bullet wound but the entry point was different and Ryan was grateful for that. The neat, small entry wound in Tony's forehead was easy to cover with bandages, still leaving his face visible. Intact. Lying over the body, on his chest, was a small bouquet of white lilies.
The only problem after the wake would be the burial. Something would have to be done soon. He knew the others were waiting to see if Michelle would arrive here or what the chatter on the mission...
But it couldn't wait any longer. They'd have to take care of the body and he had to be done soon. It didn't matter what condition the body was in, it just wasn't right to wait. It seemed disrespectful somehow. Not to mention the unspoken hope that he knew was shared by the others that if Tony was buried maybe he could come back to Milliways. It was insane and sounded almost like Milliways' own version of superstition but it also made a strange sort of sense. Tony would come back here if he could so what else could be keeping him but this?
The still sparsely decorated room has more furniture in it now. Along with the bed that the body lay on - a single, covered with a white sheet and pushed horizontal against the wall opposite the door - there were also a few folding chairs in case anyone needed to sit during the blessing.
Across the hall, in Room 515, there was none of the usual bedroom furniture, just chairs, tables and two couches. On one table there was food, plates and napkins. On the other table (and in the two coolers underneath) there are soft drinks, coffee, tea and a wide variety of liquors.
Ryan walks over to the doorway where Elaine is standing and waits for people to come by.
Re: Arrival
*Meg's eyes widen as she sees her old friend; impulsively, she reaches out to take her hand.*
I'm so sorry -
Re: Arrival
She wants to ask Meg if she's seen Tony...anywhere.
"It...it's okay."
Re: Arrival
It's - it what happens. Can't be changed -
That doesn't mean it has to be okay.
Re: Arrival
Re: Arrival
*She bites her lip.* But - it doesn't mean you can't grieve first. At least - I mean, that's what I've been told.
Re: Arrival
Re: Arrival
I was taught that, *Meg says, finally, and her voice is troubled.*
Growing up, I mean. My - my mother told me that. And here, they talk about the Landlord, and his reasons, or its -
I believe it sometimes.
*She looks at Kim.*
Does it help?
Re: Arrival
Re: Arrival
I don't know, *she says, quietly.*
I'd - I mean. Even if he doesn't, it means he's gone to the Clearing, tu sais? And he'll be happy there -
And you'll see him again there.
Re: Arrival
Re: Arrival
Sometime better than this.
Re: Arrival