Sharlene let out a deep sigh as she arranged the details of her grandmother's wake. She had been the only one raised by their grandmother after her parents separated, and now the responsibility of the funeral rested heavily on her shoulders.
Her head throbbed from the stress of the expenses, but she quickly pushed the thoughts away. Her grandmother had cared for her like a mother—she deserved this respect in return.
"Ash," she called gently.
Her daughter looked up. "Take a break for now," Sharlene said with a tired smile.
To avoid family conflict, she had taken full responsibility for the wake. All she wanted was a peaceful farewell for the woman who raised her.
"Can we talk, Sharlene?"
The voice startled her. She turned and met the gaze of her husband.
"You're here? And you didn't even bother to tell me, Martin?" she said, more disappointed than surprised.
The house was filled with visitors helping with the preparations. Without warning, Martin grabbed her arm and pulled her aside, away from everyone's view.
"What is this?" Martin asked sharply. His expression was stern and accusing.
"I'm holding the wake here at home—to save money," she replied, trying to keep her voice calm.
"This isn't even your house, Sharlene! Why didn't you tell me? I come home and find this mess?" Martin snapped.
She closed her eyes, trying to contain the frustration swelling inside her.
"Please, Martin. My mind is a mess right now. I don't have the energy for a fight."
"Don't expect me to pay for any of this. I'm already covering everything else in this house." His voice rose.
Sharlene's eyes hardened. Martin hadn't brought a single cent for their child's needs in months—and yet here he was, complaining again. She wanted to scream, to slap him, but she held back.
"You don't have to. I'll handle it—like I always do."
"Good! That's how it should be!" Martin snapped back.
"Dad!" Ashley's voice rang out, breaking the tension. Sharlene turned and saw her daughter run toward Martin, who softened only for the child.
"Papa's going to rest for a while," he told Ashley, ruffling her hair.
He glanced back at Sharlene. "I'm heading to a friend's place."
She said nothing. Let him go. She had more important things to do.
"Papa will come back, right?" Ashley asked, her eyes filled with worry.
Sharlene forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, sweetheart. He'll come back."
"Go inside for now, okay?" she added gently.
Ashley nodded and went into the house. Sharlene stood outside, scanning the area. Chairs were neatly arranged under tents in front of the house, and her siblings had gone out to buy supplies.
She sighed. The financial burden weighed on her, but she couldn't complain. Even though she had siblings, they always hesitated when it came to family expenses. So, she carried it all—alone.
Stop thinking that way, Sharlene, she scolded herself. You can't afford to break down now.
Outsiders thought she was lucky, married to a man with a good job—but they didn't know the truth. Her marriage was a prison built on a mistake. Martin only married her because she got pregnant after a one-night stand. She had long suspected he was cheating, and all signs pointed to yes.
She wanted to leave him—but she couldn't. Not for herself, but for Ashley. She didn't want her child to grow up in a broken home the way she did. That pain still lingered.
Her hand clenched tightly on the back of a chair. Pretending not to see the truth was exhausting.
"Sis."
A soft tap on the shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. It was her sister, Vivianne.
"We bought everything already. We'll come back later."
Sharlene nodded. "Thanks," she murmured.
She walked to the front and sat down, staring at her grandmother's photo. She hadn't even had time to speak to the doctor who last treated her. After work, she had rushed straight home to manage everything.
Am I the only one who will cry for you? Am I the only one you trusted?
Tears welled in her eyes.
You were the only one who truly stood by me. The only one who didn't make me feel alone in this world.
She wiped her tears as someone tapped her shoulder again.
"My condolences," said a voice.
"Thank you," she replied quietly. The woman sat beside her.
"Your grandmother's body just arrived," she said.
Sharlene nodded. The funeral service workers gently lowered the coffin into place. Everything had been set up—flowers, candles, and the viewing area.
Sharlene stepped forward and placed a framed photo of her grandmother on the table near the casket. Her grandmother looked peaceful, as if merely asleep.
She returned to her seat as more guests began to arrive.