Red Rover
Donovan, Kesha, Chloe, Casen, and Severn wind garlands of white roses and poppies around the pyre—to tether his spirit until his journey is done.
Corinda, Mike, and Seth anoint him with the scents of rose, willow, and lily—so the goddess will know him as her own.
Do these rites work? Who knows.
But tonight, they give us something sacred: comfort. And we’ll take every scrap of it we can.
When the rituals are complete, Meredith calls, “Bella. Jamal. Children. Come say your goodbyes.”
Bella sobs, collapsing against me. I steady her and help her stand. We walk to the pyre together.
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