Page 66 of Marcel

“The weather iscalling for it.” He did not want to mention the funeralarrangement in case it triggered another episode, but they were goingto have to discuss it.

Taking a sip of hiscoffee, he ventured into the topic. “Mother, Grace, and Juliacalled.”

Turning to look athim, she braced herself. “The funeral?”

“I amafraid so. The funeral home called me about the arrangements aswell.”

“NextSaturday,” she said briskly. “Viewing on Wednesday andthe funeral on Saturday afternoon. I am going to have to contact herchurch. She was a Good Bible Baptist church member in my oldneighborhood. I will call and speak to Pastor Johnson today.”

“If you want, Ican do that.”

“No.” Sheshook her head. “It has to be me." Scooping up fluffyeggs, she started eating. “I suppose I am going to have todiscuss floral arrangements—no. Instead of floral arrangements,a donation can be made to the children’s ministry.” Nikkilooked over at him.

“She was aSunday school teacher.”

“I see. That’sa good idea.”

“I will make alist, and I will have to collect her personal things from the nursinghome.”

“I will go withyou.”

“Thanks.”She gave him a brief smile as she continued eating. “I am goingto have to box up her stuff from the house and give it to charity, aswell as put the house on the market.”

“Whoa.”He held up his hand. “You are selling the house?”

“Why not?”Picking up the glass of juice, she took a sip. “I don’tlive there anymore and-”

“It is your family home. Weboth know you are making this decision based on your emotions. Howabout you hold off for a few months and see how you feel?” Hesuggested.

“I have made upmy mind.” She told him firmly. “Now, what do you haveplanned for the rest of the day?”

He opened his mouthto prolong the discussion but left it for another day. “Whateveryou want to do. I am all yours.”

“In that case,let’s go for a drive.”

*****

“I am worriedabout her,” Marcel admitted to his mother when she called tocheck on Nikki later that day. “She is behaving as ifeverything is normal. She suggested we go for a drive after we ate,and we ended up at the minister’s home, where she discussed thefuneral arrangements.”

“She called meto say she wanted to discuss the menu with us.”

“And afterward,we went to the nursing home to pack her mother’s things.”Walking over to the window, Marcel rubbed the back of his neck to tryto release the tension.

“It’s oneof the stages of grief.”

“Denial.”

“Where isshe?”

“She isupstairs making her list. She wants to sell the house.”

“To get rid ofthe memories.”

“And shedoes not want to talk about her mother. I think she blames her forleaving her.”

“You have toallow her to go through all of these stages, darling. Will she bereturning to the firm tomorrow?”

“No,” hesaid decisively. “I have to be there because I have somepressing things to attend to, but I want her to stay here and getsome more rest.”