I pulled the covers over my head. Memories flooded through my mind. I remembered playing “chef” across from my house.  She’d stir pine needles with a stick. Then, when she disappeared, I’d brush away the “noodles.” She’d turn the corner. “Where’s my noodles?” I’d laugh and laugh. I remembered zooming down the hill on the golf cart, giggling and screaming at the top of our lungs. I remembered kicking our feet in the water of the outdoor baptism. Her sunglasses slipped and fell in the pool. My dad smiled and reached down to get them for her. We giggled and laughed.  A tear fell down my face. I finally fell asleep.

About a week later, Audrey asked Crystal, Lucas, Becca, Clara, Mia’s cousins, and me, to sing for the funeral. We practiced the song, “My Peace I Give Unto You.”

On the day of the funeral, I looked at myself in the mirror. My blond hair, freckles, and blue eyes stared back at me. I had chosen a lavender purple dress. That was Mia’s favorite color. We got to the church and the funeral started. Mia’s grandma was devastated. She sobbed, tears soaking her face. We sang and then sat. The slideshow started. Everyone lost it. I sobbed, my face buried in my mom’s shoulder.  Crystal and Lucas scooted to their dad, crying. When we made it to the food, we didn’t cry. I think we all cried all the tears out of us. I think everybody did.