Aevum flails in bed, scraping his knuckles against a nearby wall. His eyes open wide after he hits his lamp from the nightstand, causing it to crash onto the ground and shatter. He sits up and grabs hold of his arms, rocking back and forth.

“…s-so, cold….” His teeth clatter before he places his feet on the ground. “Haven’t had that dream in a week or two.” He stands solemnly and without motivation. Aevum takes his time getting ready, slipping on a black suit. He struggles to fit his tie and chooses to forgo it. He almost reaches the door before falling to his knees and throwing up in a nearby trash can. After finally leaving the room, he decided to take the stairs instead of an elevator and handed his key in early. Aevum also left a rather large tip on the counter before leaving without food.

“Good morning!” One of Dalari’s cousins stood with a suitcase right outside. He reaches the entrance before stumbling into her. “Whoa whoa, maybe you shouldn’t try driving over there. Do you want a ride to the ceremony? He looked away from her.

“Thank you.” They walked along the pavement into a short vehicle. Aevum gets into the back section and slumps against the door. Dalari’s cousin, Allevia, enters and Aevum sits up quickly. They drive for a bit before she gets into her usually chatting mood. Today though, it’s more muted.

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“You know, I haven’t seen Damien around since the incident. I heard it was a house fire but there are other stories out as well. Do you think Damien was injured at all?” Aevum remains silent, folding his hands and staring at the floor. Allevia didn't speak again until they parked outside the church. Aevum was asked to carry the casket out but he declined. He sits in the back to be as far away from Dalari as possible. After the service, he is the last to leave as the congregation moves outside in the church yard. If is dry and hot but Aevum still feels the frigid air on his fingertips from his dream. The pastor gives a few more words before they lower the body. There was never a viewing for the body, Aevum could only imagine what Damien had done to her with that machine, which he did. Aevum holds back the urge to vomit.

“Aevum,” Dalari’s sister asks in a hushed voice, “where is Damien? Have you seen him at all today?” He shakes his head and apologizes. “What kind of husband doesn’t show up to his wife’s funeral. He better have a good reason. She acts mad but that’s only to distract from her grief, Aevum would agree with her though if he didn’t know where Damien was.

“Well Damien,” he thinks, “you got your wish. Your life’s work will not be revealed to the public. So die happy and fall into hell for all I care.” After the minister finishes, he walks around, comforting the family. Aevum leaves early.