Chapter 54
Fifty-Four
Angie
Three days came and went after the humans and mer declared their truce in the Northern Queendom’s palace.
Angie stood at the docks with a small group of Celia’s friends, colleagues, and family for her scattering ceremony.
Mia, Bàba, Stefan and Ken stood beside her as they awaited Celia’s aunt to bring her ashes.
The clouds blanketed the skies, releasing snow that sat on the gangway and melted into the churning seas, the picture of an arctic paradise.
Snow flurries danced and whirled around them like ribbons that appeared and disappeared as Celia’s aunt arrived.
She reverently carried her niece’s urn in mitten-clad hands, her eyes puffy and red.
Angie followed the group to surround Celia’s aunt as she walked to the edge of the gangway and turned around to face the attendees.
“My dear Celia. I hope you find peace in the afterlife with your mother. I miss you both so very much.” She wiped a stream of tears away, and hot tears prickled behind Angie’s eyelids.
Beside her, Mia was sniffling, and scattered sobs came from behind Angie.
“Before I return you to the sea, this poem will forever remind me of you, called Alone I Will Not Be.” She cleared her throat.
“My comfort will come from the sea.
The stillness of calm waves will gently drift by.
I will be as one with the sea.
When the sun sets on the ocean blue, remember me as I will always remember you.
As the sun rises...go live life as full as can be.
Apart...you and me...but at peace for I am free.”
A hush fell over the crowd as her aunt opened the urn, and Angie stepped away to allow Celia’s friends and families through, to take turns scattering her ashes into the calm waves.
Be at peace, Celia.
Angie spoke the wish in her mind. She tucked her hands into her puffer jacket’s pockets as she turned to leave.