I climbed out of the car and stood outside the church, knowing I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to my father. We couldn’t even give Dad a proper funeral, I thought bitterly. Just then, Bella’s sharp bark snapped me out of my thoughts.I turned back toward the car. Bella was far more agitated than usual, pacing and whining.
“Bella!” I gave her the hand signal to lie down, and she obeyed instantly. I leaned through the open window and patted her head. “Now, stay, Bella.”She let out a low whine as I closed the door and walked away, but I ignored it and headed into the church.My father Arnold’s casket was already in place at the front, sealed shut. Because he had died of an infectious disease, the funeral director had discreetly cordoned off the immediate area. I took my seat beside my mother. Given the circumstances, Arnold would be cremated rather than buried.