You still didn’t feel real. Life seemed to have slowed down since the words came out of Johnnys mouth. You’re not very sure if your heart is beating the same yet, or if it ever will.

She looked beautiful in the picture above the casket. Your ma had always been a beautiful woman, a broken one, but so beautiful. Even when he put all those bruises on her.

You still couldn’t quite piece it together in your mind that just so little after Johnny got you and the boys out of the house, it went up in flames, along with everything you’ve ever known.

That bastard has so many people to carry his casket. Like he was some sort of victim. Like he deserved any care.. while your ma’s casket only had two people. Joey and Darren, your brothers.

With no words, Johnny and Gerard approached the casket to help carry it and your heart warmed at that.

Your ma was gonna be buried far away from your father. That’s the least you could do for her. Let her rest far from the bastard that ruined her life. Let her rest in peace.

As much as your relationship with her wasn’t the cuddliest or the typical mother and daughter thing, you were still struggling to not sob. You loved her. No matter what, you loved your ma with everything you had.

This didn’t feel right.