05 Walker
Copyright© 2011 by Banzai Ben
Chapter 67: Postlude
Present – Liz – At the cabin
For once things worked out for our crew and the trip to the cabin was uneventful but incredibly beautiful. It had been years since I'd been in the mountains of Colorado and I was kicking myself in the ass for not returning sooner. I made sure the girls rode in another car (much to Byron's and Thom's dislike) so Jens and I could work out the arrangements for Ira's service. Jens was more than amicable since she learned Ira saved Ben's life.
I hold and squeeze Bernie's hand as we drive up and say, "Bernie, this is the closest place to heaven I can think of."
Bernie answers, "Yeah Liz, if I had a place like this I would never leave. How could Ben leave all this?"
It's as if he read my mind I reply, "From what I've heard, Ben's dad was a real son of a bitch and abused him constantly. So now this place is just a bitter reminder of those times."
We exit the car caravan in front of a large, lovely, slightly rustic cabin nestled in the trees. The front of the cabin opens onto the valley and has a long view of the road leading in. The back of the cabin abuts a steep mountain.
Mira exclaims, "After occulating the mountains on our trip here I finally understand: America truly is the home of the free and the land of the brave."
Alexi corrects her, "My sister, you mean land of the free and home of the brave. And yes the scenery is most spectacular."
I notice that even the two little bitches stand in awe of what they are seeing and have seen. I know now's the perfect time so I announce, "Mira, we are all glad that you love this place so much because Jens and I have decided, with your consent, this is the place that we would like to hold the memorial service for Ira."
And Jens amazes me when she adds, "And Mira I would like to let you know you and Alexi will always be welcome here."
I look at Mira and see a few tears in her eyes as she answers, "Ms. Morgan and Ms. Donaldson, your offer is too kind because my sister Ira would have loved to occulate this location. However we are not prepared for the service."
I smile at Mira and nod to Bernie. He and Thom bring out the white marble headstone and I say, "Mira we are prepared now and we need to do this for you so you and Alexi can achieve some closure. I hope the memorial plaque meets with your approval."