Aedan
I put the spade down and looked out across the water. It really was a beautiful place. She’d be happy here.
Jesus, how the hell am I going to tell Alec?
I looked down at Sylvie’s grave. I’d thought that she’d have to do this for me—that’s why I put the spade in the back of the car. I never thought I’d be the one doing it for her.
I knew I had to finish. She was almost covered up with the first thin layer. I’d left her face until last. I couldn’t bear the thought of throwing soil down onto it, the dark clods breaking across those lips.
I stepped down into the hole instead, putting my feet either side of her body. I’d push the earth with my hands, instead. I’d gently cover her face and then I’d just be shoveling earth onto earth and it would be easier.
Jesus, she looked so perfect. Like she was sleeping.
I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers one last time.
And heard a tiny noise from her throat.
I jumped back, staring down at her. But there was nothing else. My eyes filled up with tears. I’d just squeezed her chest a little and the air had moved.
I put both hands behind the earth that covered her stomach and started to push it onto her face.
And her eyes opened.