Inside the funeral home, Hadley stayed close to Elissa’s remains. She made sure to watch every step, approved each decision, and signed off on all the papers.
“Miss Pearson,” said the staff member after wrapping up the arrangements, “when would you like to schedule the cremation?”
Hadley froze. Her swollen eyes darted away for a moment. This wasn’t something she could decide alone. She needed to inform Neville and Savannah first. Before they left, they had repeatedly told her to call right away if there was any update. They didn’t even know Elissa had been found.
She could only imagine how devastated they would be once they heard, especially Savannah.
Hadley took a shaky breath. “Just a moment, please. I need to make a call.”
“Of course. Take your time.”
Once outside, Hadley pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she landed on Savannah’s number. She hesitated for a second, then pressed the call button.
The line picked up almost right away, but it wasn’t Savannah who answered. Instead, a deep male voice came through. “Hello, is this Miss Pearson?” It was Neville.
“Yes,” Hadley replied at once. “Mr. Brown.”
“Hello,” Neville said with a faint sigh, like he already feared what she might say. “You’re calling at this hour… Is this about Elissa?”
“Yes.” Hadley’s voice shook, but she made herself continue. “Elissa… She’s been… I wanted to ask when you and Mrs. Brown might be able to come to say goodbye to her. I also called to confirm the… cremation date.”
She spoke the last two words so softly they barely made it past her lips.
On the other end, silence dropped like a weight. Hadley didn’t dare rush him. She waited patiently.
“Thank you, Miss Pearson,” Neville finally said after what felt like an eternity. His voice was even, but there was a strain behind it. “But I’m afraid we can’t come right now. Savannah’s health isn’t good. Ever since we got back to Ontmond, she’s been hospitalized. That’s also why I have her phone.”
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Hadley’s heart sank, though she wasn’t entirely surprised. The pain of losing a daughter—what mother could possibly bear that?
“Miss Pearson, maybe you could handle the arrangements there for now. When Savannah feels better, I’ll bring her to pick up Elissa’s ashes,” Neville continued.
The funeral home could only keep the remains for so long. If they couldn’t come soon, this was the only way.
Hadley didn’t argue, though it made her heart ache for Elissa’s sake.
“Miss Pearson, we really appreciate everything you’ve done,” Neville continued.
“It’s no trouble,” Hadley answered softly. “Mr. Brown, just leave it to me.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
After ending the call, Hadley gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned pale. She couldn’t bring herself to speak for a long while.
.
.
.