HIRAM’S POV:
Today is Hope’s funeral, and the tension in the air is worse than ever. I feel terrible after my encounter with Mother. I know she means well, but sometimes she speaks as if she hates Juniper.
June, on the other hand, has been weighed down by a lot of tension, and I am trying my best to ease the ill thoughts from her mind.
“You look pretty,” I say to her, kissing her neck as she stands in front of the mirror, brushing her hair.
“Then you should savor it more because it will only last for about two months,” she says, and I grab her hands.
“You have to stop,” I say to her, and she lets out a sigh. “I know you are scared, and I am too, but I believe that something positive can happen.” She scoffs when I say this.
“Hiram Howler suddenly believes in miracles?” she asks, and I shrug. “Then I must really be in trouble.” She attempts to walk away, but I pull her back, holding her against my chest.
“Do you want to terminate the pregnancy?” I ask, and she takes a deep breath.
“Of course not. I want to see and have this baby, but I guess that will not be the case,” she says, and I spin her around, cupping her face.
“When have I never solved your problem?” I ask, and she grabs my hand, trying to pull it away from her face. “No, tell me, June,” I insist.
“Never,” she answers, shutting her eyes.
“Then I want you to trust that I will have an answer when the time is right. I know they tried everything for Hope, but keeping a negative mindset will kill you faster than the pregnancy,” I say to her, then I kiss her lips. “Now let’s get going before I’m forced to hold you back,” I whisper in her ear, and she smacks me gently.
“I am pregnant, Hiram, and you will disrupt the baby,” she says, and I chuckle, pressing my lips to her cheek.
“We had sex a couple of days ago, and nothing happened, so I’m sure the baby is fine with it,” I reply, then we make our way out of the room.
Hope’s burial site is in the family cemetery, where all the members of the family are buried. Dad’s grave stands close to it, and seeing it brings old feelings back. When June notices I can’t stop staring at the stone bed, she slides her hand into mine, wrapping her fingers tightly around it. This makes me feel safe in ways I cannot explain, and it also makes me feel bad for Hollis, as he has lost this kind of comfort.
“Thank you,” I mutter, and a smile forms on her lips as she caresses my hand.
The priest performs the necessary ritual, then Hope’s body is lowered into the ground while we all watch. Hollis stands close to Mother, resting his head on her shoulder while she pats it gently.
I know it will be difficult for him to recover from this. The happiest I have ever seen him was when he was with Hope. Shortly after, the funeral rites end, and we all go back home, where we are ushered into a room set up for Hope’s memorial. Each of us goes in one by one, saying what we have to say to Hope. When it is my turn, I walk in, shutting the door, then I stare at her portrait on the table.
“You were an exceptional woman, Hope, and the entire Shadow Pelt Pack will miss you. Most importantly, Hollis will miss you-and I will, too. I know you will watch over every single one of us, and I hope you guide Hollis on his path in this world.”
After this, I walk out of the room. June takes her turn at once, and I know I should give her privacy, but I cannot help but read her mind.
“I am sorry you had to die before you saw your son, Hope. We will try our best to take care of him, and I, by the grace of the Moon Goddess, will make it out alive. But if I do not, then see you in two months.”
My heart breaks at her words, and when she walks out of the room, I grab her hand at once, walking her away from the crowd of people.
“I hate what you are doing to me, June,” I say to her, letting out a sigh. “I know how you feel, but constantly wishing for the worst will only make it worse. You should only think positively, and maybe the Moon Goddess will have mercy on you.”
She stares at me with tears forming in her eyes.
“It is easy for you to say because you are not the one who has to go through the pain. Each time I close my eyes to sleep, all I can think of is how much pain she was in. I have been in this house the whole time, and I heard her cry out for her dear life for days. How else do you want me to react?” she asks, then she scoffs.
“Maybe you should stop trying to make me feel positive and allow me to feel what the hell I want for once, Hiram!” She storms off after saying this, and I stand there for a moment, watching her walk away. Then I rush after her, grabbing her hand before she walks up the stairs.
I pull her toward me, wrapping my arms around her.
“Okay, okay, tell me how you feel, baby. Tell me, and I will listen, please,” I say to her, and she says nothing but collapses onto my shoulder, soaking my body with her tears.
“If that’s how you feel, then I’ll be here. Cry as much as you want, and we don’t have to say a word,” I say to her, and she mutters a thank you.