At that moment, a collective sense of hope descended on the group, and more than a few grievances were put to rest.

CHAPTER 14

Homecoming

My mind is like a bad neighborhood;
I try not to go there alone.
—Anne Lamott

THE FUNERAL WAS a desultory affair, made more so by the gray sky that threatened snow and the wind that whipped through the field and fluttered the canopy over the gravesite. Carolyn stood alone for a few minutes as Mitch helped to carry Rachel to her final resting place. After the ceremony concluded and the group dispersed, Mitch waited patiently while Carolyn took one last look into the open grave, and the cemetery workers began their chores. She realized it was time to leave when she noticed the practiced gaze of the crew chief that was intended to make it obvious this was not a spectacle intended for mourners.

“There’s something I’d like to do before we head back home,” Mitch said as they trailed the last few cars out of the cemetery. Carolyn stared at him without saying anything, so he continued, “I’d like to go over to Nicholson’s Quarry, to the place where Danny ended it all.”

“Why would you want to do that? Haven’t we seen enough horrible things over the last few days?”

“I guess you could say I’m curious, and maybe it’s that, but I also feel as if we haven’t properly said good-bye to Danny yet.”

Carolyn let out an intentionally disingenuous laugh. “Good-bye? I’m not so sure he deserves any more of a good-bye than he’s gotten.”

“Well, I think we should try to keep in mind what Reverend Kirkpatrick said at the end of the service. Danny was a human being too, and our friend, and while it may be a little early to forgive him completely, I think we at least should try,” Mitch replied.

“Mitch, I know that’s right. And I pray that I will one day get there, but right now, I’m not there yet.”

“Okay, I know what you mean. But do me a favor, and just indulge me.” And off they drove to the ravine.