"Besides, they came all the way here and it's a gesture of kindness. How can I not let them see Mother?"
I didn't need such a gesture. Just as I was about to firmly refuse, Charlie and his mother walked out of the hotel. Charlie was wearing a black suit, while his mother was wearing a bright red, festive funeral shroud. My face immediately darkened. Wearing a festive red dress on funeral—was it to pay respects to my mother, or was it to show off to her?
Charlie's mother, completely unaware of her outfit, smiled and waved at Lucy, "Lucy, look, how does this dress look on me?"
Lucy smiled and said, "This dress suits you perfectly. It makes you look younger."
I stared at Lucy in disbelief. She actually said it suited her.
Lucy didn't even glance at me. With a docile expression, she helped Charlie's mother into the car.
When I didn't move, she came over and said, "Don't be angry. Godmother just celebrated her 80th birthday. It totally fine for her to wear a bright red funeral attire."
I looked at her calmly for a moment, then smiled, "You're right. It's just a dress!"
Lucy frowned. I didn't give her a chance to continue and took the driver's seat. I should have thought of this earlier. How could the dead matter be less important the living?
I shouldn't have held out any hope for Lucy. Lucy tried to talk to me several times in the back of the car. I ruthlessly interrupted her each time, "Don't talk to me during rush hour. It distracts me."
I saw Lucy purse her lips in the rearview mirror.
Charlie's mother was upset, "Lucy, what's wrong with your husband? He keeps interrupting you. Godmother doesn't like him."
I laughed. What was our relationship anyway? Did I need her affection?
Lucy said, "Godmother, he's just the way he is. Don't mind it."
Charlie's mother sighed, "It's a pity you and Charlie didn't get together back then. Otherwise, marrying Charlie would have been so wonderful. I really want you to be my daughter-in-law."
Charlie also said, "Lucy, my mother is right. It's a pity we're not meant to be together. But the three days I spent with you on my mom’s birthday were the happiest days I've ever had."
Lucy glanced at me anxiously and said to Charlie, "Don't talk nonsense."
Charlie smiled and glanced at me with disdain. Lucy explained to me, "Honey, Charlie was talking about the three days of my godmother's 80th birthday. There's nothing else to it. Please don't misunderstand."
"I understand." I replied calmly.
Lucy didn't need any explanation. I used to be worried and angry. But now it didn’t matter. Soon, she and I would have nothing to do with each other.
I drove to the cemetery. Lucy was surprised.
"Honey, did you drive to the wrong place?"
"No, this is it."
Lucy's face paled.
I turned and looked at her, my tone expressionless, "Mom has already been buried, on the same day you attended Charlie's mother's 80th birthday."
