Chapter Text
She was forced back to the place she hoped to never see again. The place where she had to mourn her late husband, and now her son. How stupid could she be? Her son needed help and she did nothing. She's a terrible mother. Now is not the time though. She must prepare for the funeral. Mentally and physically.
She had called many people to invite. Mostly family members since they never branched out to others. The only person that wasn't family she called was Andrew, the only friend Ivan had made throughout his life. The only person she thought could keep Ivan alive.
*Bring bring... Bring bring... Bring bring...*
"The number you are trying to call is currently unav-"
*Bring bring... Bring bring... Bring bring...*
"The number-"
"Pick up.... Please."
*Bring bring... Bring bring... Bring bring...*
"The number you are trying to call is currently unavailable. Please leave a message after the beep."
*beep*
"Hello Andrew. This is Ivan's mother." Her voice cracked. "I'm calling to inform you of some unfortunate news. Ivan has passed away." At this point she was on the verge of tears again. "I'd appreciate it if you attended his funeral. You were his only friend. The only one he loved honestly... The address is -----. Goodbye." She hung up.
-
The day of the funeral arrived. Close family attended. Ivan also attended his own funeral. He realized his life must have been pathetic. No friends. Only family. About 5 people. 5 people? That's it? This is what he gets? After all he's been through? His father's funeral was the same. He helped everyone and yet they forgot about him. They didn't care. That's what he got for helping people. Did he help people throughout his life? Is that why no one cares?
"Where is Andrew?" He heard his mother whisper to herself.
Who's Andrew? Probably just another person who forgot him.
"Ma'am, it's time to start the service." The pastor told her.
She breathed in, "Okay. Yeah okay."
.
"We gather here today to mourn the loss of Ivan ---. An inspirational writer. A man who always helped others, just like his father." So Ivan was correct. "May his stories live on to the ones who held him dear. You may now line up to say your final words."
Ivan's mother stepped up first.
"I'm so sorry, baby. I wasn't there for you when you needed me most. I couldn't see you were hurt. I was a terrible mother. I turned down your dreams. I'm so so sorry Ivan. You're in a better place now. Please rest well" The tears she had held back after that day finally started to flow down. She sobbed once more.
The next few people went up as the time started to pass by. An hour went by when the doors had opened once again. Ivan watched the door open from the upper corner he had positioned himself in. Someone he didn't know entered. He had curly blonde hair and sharp eyes. He wore a hoodie that read "PWN" and green slacks. Not really something you wear to a funeral. Disrespectful actually. Ivan, however, felt something was off.
"Andrew, I'm glad you came." Ivan's mother said, ignoring his outfit choice. She was just glad he attended.
"You may say a few words before we wrap up." She finished.
Ivan followed Andrew as he walked up to the casket.
"You know, I expected a lot out of you but never this. You always said you wanted to make a name for yourself. I don't think this is what you meant....
.
I loved you.
.
You did this to yourself.
.
Why?" Tears stung his eyes.
"I'm still mad at you. Why didn't you talk to me about this? This is your fault." His breath quickened.
"No. What am I saying? This is my fault. I'm so sorry Ivan." He fell on the casket and started to hyperventilate.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'𝚖 ѕσ ՏOᖇᖇY."
"Andrew dear, are you okay?" Ivan's mother asked worryingly.
"Why did he have to leave me?" He mumbled as an answer, trying to catch his breath.
'Leave you? Who are you?' Ivan was left puzzled. He hadn't remembered this man when he died. Yet, he felt as if there was a knot tying them together. A connection that ran deeper than his mind could remember. He had to find out.
"Andrew, deep breaths. It's okay. I know it's a heavy toll. Please, calm down. Everything will be okay. He's happier now." Ivan's mother reassured. Though, internally she wanted to do the same thing Andrew was. Cry her eyes out and beg the gods to bring her son back.
"Why should have been me?"
"Don't say that Andrew! It shouldn't have been anyone. Life just takes a twist sometimes. We have to learn to live with the pain and not let it affect us. I know it will be difficult. We all will miss him. Now let's go dear, the service is closing." She grabbed Andrew's hand caringly and led him out the door.
"Okay." He was too dazed with everything that had already happened to process anything.
As much as Ivan didn't know who this person was, he wasn't about to let someone who cared about him die as well. He could tell just by Andrew's face that he already had the thought to do the same thing he did. To take that step. Maybe to live happily in the afterlife, or reunite with Ivan. He can't let that happen. He won't.
…
He's too precious.