Hollywood Zenith

We went inside to find the whole Moore family gathered. They were doing their final rites wearing sad faces. Losing such a young relative was devastating for the whole family; some were crying, holding handkersheif while some were just holding back tears. Young children were in parents arms confused about the whole ordeal; they were confused about the atmosphere.

Hannah was sitting on her mother's lap sadly looking at the casket. She finally understood that her sister was gone and this was the last time she would see her sister, which made her lonely.

I wanted to console her but knew that it was not the time. We made our presence known and moved to the front.

" Ah, Mr. Robert, Mrs. Laura, Samuel you made it. Sorry I could not provide proper hospitality." Uncle Aaron said.

" Its okay Mr. Moore, these are tough times. We are here to pay our condolences. You don't have to mind small things." Father said.

" Yes, Mr. Moore, Carol, sorry for your loss." Mother said earnestly.

Elise's mother Carol, was just staring into space absentmindly at this time. She walked out of it and stared at me suddenly. There was a steady stream of tears flowing down her cheeks; she seemed to be crying a lot these days. I could tell her eyes had a tint of redness because of it.

She kept staring into my eyes, blinked, and suddenly rushed to hold me in her arms tightly.

" Elise, my sweet daughter, you came back, mother missed you a lot. Why did you take so long? Elise- Elise-Elise-Elise-Elise----" she kept repeating, holding me by her arm. It broke me inside to think about the grief she was going through. I could not do anything other than reciprocate the hug; I hugged her tightly and whispered into her ear, " Mother, I am here don't worry."

Maybe my green eyes reminded her of her late daughter, but I felt responsible, so I kept consoling her for a few minutes by pretending to be Elise, but Uncle Aaron peeled her off me and said--

" Carol snapped out of it, how many times do I have to tell you our daughter is gone. You have to accept it. I don't want you to live in delusions. Look at the casket, please, you have to do it for Hannah. " His voice was loud, trying to get through her.

But Carol doesn't want to listen to anything trying to hold me again. I didn't know what to do, but regardless I went forward and held her hand.

I said earnestly, " Mrs Carol, you have to accept that Elise is gone, " I paused; she seemed to be listening attentively. And continued, " But she left a part behind; now she lives through me. I can see through her eyes, which I am grateful for; please don't cry; It will only make Elise sad. If you find it in your heart, you can consider me as your son. I was just an orphan a few days ago. Now I can have two mothers, that doesn't sound bad, right? "

Laura looked proudly at her son; she was happy that her son was kind and gentle with a good heart.

Carol was still staring at me; she nodded and started crying hysterically. I just held her. She apologized profusely and I said it's okay.

After this little incident. The final ceremony started and everyone said a few words in memory of Elise. Different relatives shared funny and happy memories that they experienced together with her. It increased my understanding of her. When everyone was done, I conveyed to Uncle Aaron, I wanted to say something. He agreed, and I walked up to the podium.

" I know many of you present here have heard about me. I have been sightless since childhood, but after a chance encounter I met my foster parents. Uncle Aaron heard about me in the hospital, and ultimately helped to discover my vision. I am very thankful and feel blessed for this gift that Elise gave me. She might not be here, but she has become a part of my life, and will live through me. I will help her see the world and we will take this journey together. I look forward to meeting her family. Thank You." I poured my heart out in front of eveyone.

Everyone was laughing and crying and the same time. They felt sadness and happiness about the whole situation. My intelligence shocked them, but it was no time for cheering.

The funeral went on, in the end. I wanted to talk to Hannah, but she was no where to be seen.

I asked her parents, but they were clueless. I walked out of the building trying to find her. There was a lake and fresh canal surrounding the whole cemetery; I saw a little girl sitting at the bench beside the lake looking at the distance. I know she was sobbing as her shoulders were moving up and down.

I walked beside her and said, " Hannah, don't cry, we made a promise to remeber. Lets make another one. "

She looked at me sideways with tears in her eyes; she looked pitiful. I sat beside her, took her hand, and placed it between my own, gently rubbing it.

" Your sister may be gone, but I will be here for you, not just when you are afraid, but whenever you feel like it. You had a big sister to rely on. I can't replace her even if I tried, so instead I will be your big brother who will try to fill in her shoes. You can always share your problems with me, share your dilemmas, and happiness. I will try my best to be there for you. Can you promise me this? " I said in a low calming voice.

She looked straight at me, eyes, feeling the familiar green tint; she nodded.

We spent some time talking about Elise; mostly she did the talking; I listened to her smiling slightly as she was a little better than before.

Soon, Father and mother came to get me, it was getting late, so I said goodbye to the whole family and specially hugged Mrs Carol and Hannah, promising them a visit later this week.

We got into the car and dashed toward the Rothchild Estate.

While riding to the estate I received my first passive title.

[[ You have acquired the passive title "Heart of Gold" ]]