Today was the day, the day I dreaded for a long time. I knew the day would come, but I didn't want it too. Today was the day of my parent's funerals. The Colorado police force that my dad worked with offered to give him a military type funeral and offered to pay for some of the expenses. I tried my best to be grateful but in the back of my mind, all I could wish for is that my dad wasn't a police officer. Why couldn't he have been just a normal parent, then maybe he would have been alive today?

I decided to let my hair hang down, just in case I wanted to use my hair to cover my face that would be drenched in tears. I hated having people see me cry but I knew today I couldn't hold anything back. I wore the same silk black dress that I had worn to Kyle's trial and the same shoes that matched. If I had known I would be going to special events like this I would have bought more clothes, but I only had this one dress. The ceremony was going to take place at a park that was located across from the cemetery where my parents were going to be buried. Part of me thought it was strange that someone decided to build a park across the from a cemetery. Morbid but at the same time convenient.

I didn't even bother to wear makeup because I knew it would just come off anyway. I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom to admire myself. My skin was pale white and there were bags under my eyes from the lack of sleep I got the night before. How was I supposed to sleeping knowing the next day I would be lowering my parents in the ground? You could see my bandaged up stitches from where I was shot on my leg because my dress wasn't long enough to cover it. Hopefully, next week I could get my stitches out and that would be one less reminder of what I went through. Until then though, I had to walk with a limp so that they wouldn't tear open.

The car ride to the funeral was torture for me. I really didn't want to go to the funeral as bad as that sounds. Part of me thought that if I didn't go then they weren't really dead. I know that's a stupid thought but I desperately wanted to believe that this was all just a sick nightmare. On the way to the funeral, I began thinking about my dad.

I remember when he first taught me that running could be a sport. It all began when my dad offered me ten bucks to run with him for a week, just to see how I liked it. Ten dollars to a six year old was a lot of money, trust me. Before the week was even over, I knew running was what I wanted to do and even if he hadn't paid me I would have been happy. I was good at running and I knew that's what I wanted to do. We would always go running outside together from that point on and before I knew it, running became my life; my escape from the real world.

We pulled up to the park where I saw the whole ceremony set up. There was about fifty white fold up chairs lined up in rows. The whole police department was coming, so that filled about thirty of the chairs. The other twenty were for family and friends. My mother's casket was already set out but the men at the police station wanted to wait and properly carry my dad's casket in when everyone arrived.

I got out of the car with my aunt and uncle and quietly walked over to my mom's open casket. I don't even remember the last time I saw her, is that sad? She always worked a lot and since her and dad were fighting, she would stay at hotels or her friend's houses. Part of me wanted to hate her for dragging on a ruined marriage but I knew she did it for me, even if I was hurt in the process.

We wanted an open casket so everyone could see them one last time in person before they were buried. Sure, it was harder this way but I couldn't let my last time seeing my dad was when a bullet went in his head. Even if I was seeing him laying peacefully in his casket was better than the brutal murder imagine I have in my head of him.

Looking down at my mom, I noticed how beautiful and peaceful she looked as she laid there. Whoever did he makeup and dressed her did a fantastic job. You could barely see the stitches of where her neck had been cut open. Her elegant short blonde hair covered barely her shoulders. She wore an all white, long dress that had beautiful gems and beading throughout the dress. Then I realized that she was in her wedding dress. She was wearing a veil that was pulled back behind her head. Why would she want to be buried in her wedding dress? Still, she looked beautiful and I couldn't help myself as tears flooded from my eyes.

I sank to my knees and cried as I rested my head on her casket. I knew I should have tried to see her more when she was alive but I didn't. I always thought that she would be at home the next day and that it was pointless to try and see a woman who was home maybe an hour or two a day. I didn't think her death would be that hard on me since I didn't see her that much but that actually made it worse. I should have made more of an effort to have a better relationship with her. I overlooked her and everything she had done for me. I took her for granted and I should have made more time with her when she had a chance. I was just being a stupid teenage girl who assumed nothing bad could happen to my family.

My hands began to shake so I quickly wiped away the warm tears as they continued to flow down my cheeks. I could feel my eyes swell shut as more tears poured out of them. The sun wasn't helping either; it actually was more noticeable with the light shining in my eyes. My whole body began to tremble as I forced myself to my feet as I peered down at my mother. Guilt filled my body and also grief. Tears continued to stream down my trembling cheeks as I took my mother's lifeless, pale hand in mine.

"Mom, I'm so sorry." I croaked as I chocked on my sobs.

A hand rested on my shoulder and I turned to see my aunt standing behind me. I turned to face her and then I wrapped my arms around her as I cried. I wasn't super close to my aunt but she was the only family I had left.

"Your mother was a great woman. You never forget that." My aunt whispered in my ear.

More and more people started to arrive, many of them police officers who were wearing their uniforms. The rest of the people who black suits and dark dresses. Flowers were brought by almost everyone who showed up. Beautiful roses, tulips, daisies, almost every flower you can think of was brought to the funeral. The air smelled wonderful though. The flowers gave me less of a depressing feeling even though it was one of the worst days of my life.

I sat quietly in my chair as the park got quieter and quieter. Ethan and Maddie sat in the row of chairs behind me because the first row was reserved for family only. So only my aunt, uncle and I were in the front row. The service started to begin and everyone got quiet. Everyone's heads were down until my dad's casket was being carried out. All the officer's carrying the casket wore their uniforms and had serious looks on their faces. The casket was covered with an American flag that symbolized my father's bravery and dedication to the job he loved just as much as his family.

The casket was calmly placed on its stand next to my mom's casket. Chills ran up my spine as I imagined my father's dead body lying inside the casket. Did I even want to see his body? Then another officer walked down the aisle carrying an American flag in his hand. He raised the flag high into the air and once he reached the caskets. He placed the flag in between the caskets, the flag flowing in the wind as it blew. The officers removed the flag from my father's casket and folded it up, military style.

I tried to hide my tears with my hair but it didn't work. The band started to play the saddest song that I had ever heard. It was hard to believe that this was really happening. How did I end up at my parent's funeral so early in life? This day was inevitable but why so soon? My family was summoned to walk up to the front. My dad's casket was now open and I feared to look inside of it, knowing what I would see. I was the first one up there and the officer handed me the folded up flag. I held on to it tightly because this was all I had left of my dad.

I took a step forward, up to the casket. I closed my eyes at first, not wanting to see what was inside. I slowly opened my eyes and looked down at my father in his police uniform. Since he was shot in the head, it was hard to not notice the bullet hole, which made me feel even worse because I witnessed his death. I gasped and took a step back. I wasn't surprised, just in shock at the sight of my father's dead body. Images of his death flashed in my head over and over again. Stupid Kyle, stupid, stupid, stupid. This was all this fault and now I had to suffer because of him. He didn't have to kill my dad, he could have just tied him up and left him for the police to later find. He didn't have to kill him.

I brought my hands to my face and started to cry again into the flag that I still held tightly in my hands. I couldn't even breathe at that moment. It was like a nightmare to me that couldn't wake up from no matter how hard I tried. I didn't even care that I was crying in front of everyone, all I cared about was my dad. I want him back so bad but I knew he will never come back. My aunt walked passed me and to look inside the casket. My uncle comforted me in his arms as I cried. I heard the sobs of my aunt cry as she looked down at her dead brother. We all sat back down as more music began to play.

After a few more songs, the preacher stood up in front of everyone and began to speak, "Matt Hunter died a hero in everyone's eyes here today. Throughout the world, people will know who Matt Hunter was and that's all we could ask for, respect and honor. God has taken another man out of this world, but with good intent. Matt did what he had to do for his daughter and we all know that he would never have given up on his daughter." He paused for a moment.

"I personally didn't know Matt but I have heard he was a great man and a wonderful father. Let all of us pray for Matt. He is in a better place now with many others like him, including his wife, Megan Hunter. She was also taken by the cruelty of the world we live in. This is an obstacle in everyone's life but we will get through it, Matt and Megan would want us too. Now everyone, let's bow our heads and pray. Lord please lift their souls and heal this hurt. Make sure everyone heals from these horrible losses that had happened so suddenly and unexpectedly."

Everyone had their heads bowed but me at this time; I couldn't take my eyes away from the preacher. These words left my broken heart even broker because I was realizing that this was, in fact, real life and not a dream. All I wanted to do was scream at this point because, during this horrific moment, all I saw was Kyle. Even locked away in jail that bastard was hurting me. He did this and just for fun. He didn't care about me because if he did, then he wouldn't have killed my parents. Damn him for doing this for me. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I tried desperately to get Kyle out of my mind.

"Now if anyone has some words to say about either Megan or Matt, they may come forward now." The preacher announced.

Robbins walked in front of everyone and stood where the preacher had. I could tell that she was shaken and nervous.

"Matt and I were pretty good friends at the station and I never thought this day would come so soon. But he knew what his job was and he knew the risks. He was a damn good cop and I can't express to everyone how much he will be missed. Things happen though and I know Matt would want all of us to move on with the future. He wouldn't want us to grieve forever and surely, we won't. We must stay strong for him since he can no longer do that. I will help protect his little girl because she has been left without a father and mother. No child should have to go through that. I will do everything to help and make sure she grows up better and that she lives a long and happy life. Matt and Megan would want that for her. Matt died for his daughter and I would do the same. I owe Matt that gratitude of saving his beautiful little girl."

As Robbins talked about me, I started to sob harder and harder until I could barely breathe anymore. I'd never really met Robbins before all of this but it felt like I've known her for my whole life. I felt closer to her than I did my aunt and uncle which says a lot. She did save my life, even when she barely knew me. I fiddled with the end of my dress, looking away as she spoke again.

"I want to give my dearest apologies to the Hunter family for what has happened and I wish this had never occurred. Matt was betrayed by his best friend and he shouldn't have died in the way he did. He knew that he may not live when he went after his daughter so he gave me this letter and told me to read this at his funeral if he died trying to save that day. I didn't want to tell anyone about him giving me the letter until this day. Anyway, it read." She paused and took a deep breath.

I didn't know that my dad wrote a letter in his dying word and I was scared to hear what he wrote, knowing that he may be dying. How would I react hearing my father's words? It broke my heart knowing that my dad this all this for me, knowing full well that he may die in the process. How hard was it for him to write a letter for his own funeral? The park was silent as Robbins spoke again as she wiped away a few stray tears from her eyes.

"Okay, here we go." She held up a piece of paper that was covered front and back.

"Dear everyone at my funeral, this is so hard to write, there are tears in my eyes knowing that I could die at any time while trying to get my daughter back. One way or another, she will be home, whether that is by me or someone else. I'm desperately sorry that I had to die on you and I wish I could be here today. I do know that my wife is dead, and I hope that she is lying right next to me. (If Kelly isn't back from Kyle, don't read this out loud please.) Kelly, I'm so sorry that your mom and I had to leave you alone like this." Robbins paused to catch her breath as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You were the best thing in my life. I'm beyond thankful that you are alive and back home where you should be. I'm sorry Kyle did this to our family and I never did fully understand why he did what he did. I'm sorry if this makes you more upset, but I need to say it. If I was alive, I would have killed the bastard before he found his way to jail, but I'm guessing he will just rot in prison. Try not to mourn too long though. Don't waste your life on me because it could end at any moment. Kelly, I wrote some separate notes to you and some other people but I want you to only see them first. They are with Robbins who I told not to give the box to you until after the funeral. Please get them when you can. I can't even tell you how much I love you, Kel. Hopefully, someone will be there for you. I love you so much and I can't imagine how you feel, and everyone else who is listening to this.

"Catherine, you were the best sister to me and I'm sorry you had to see your big brother go. I will always be in your heart. Jim, you better treat my sister right, that is my dying wish. As for both of you, please take care of my little girl for me. She needs a father and mother figure in her life now more than ever. Now for Ross, you were a great guy to work with and one of my friends who I couldn't have lived without. You were a partner and boss but most importantly, family. If he is alive, well I will miss you but if he died along with me then I'm terribly sorry and would like someone to give my apology to Ross's wife and kids." She took another moment of silence before continuing again.

"Robbins, we talked when I wrote this but I have more to say to you. You were close to a sister to me and you are a damn great police officer. I can trust that you will keep my daughter safe, along with everyone here today at my funeral. To all my fellow police officers, you were all family to me and I want to wish everyone the best of luck in life. Believe me, I would love to join you, but I can't."

"I never read that much but I had several quotes that I loved and wish to tell you all. It's funny because they all involve death. 'From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity.' Another quote is by Abraham Lincoln. 'Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.' You all know me very well so think what you want on that quote. Another one is by Martin Luther King Jr. 'If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.' That quote there, my favorite one, touches me to the heart. I knew what I was dying for and I know I made the right choice. I'd do it all over again if I had too."

"Even though I died, I wouldn't change a thing; because I knew what I did was the right thing to do for my daughter. Finally, this last quote goes to the young girls who lost their lives at a young age. This quote is by Dwight D. Eisenhower. 'There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were.' I strongly believe that statement because I know in my heart, those families will never be the same without their child that isn't coming back. I want those families to have my sincere apology even though it won't make up for the loss of their child."

"This letter is more like a speech so I guess I'm almost done here. I love you all so much and never forget that. So these are my final words for everyone, live life like there is no tomorrow because someday there will not be a tomorrow. I wish you all the best and never forget me."

I saw tears fall down Robbins' face as she finished the letter from my dad. She quickly walked away from the stand and went back to her seat, crying. There were so many tears and cries from everyone, including myself. I wanted to get the letters that my dad was talking about and read them all. What else did he say in his letter that he hadn't said his funeral letter?

"Does anyone else have anything to say?" The preacher asked.

When no one replied or got up from their seat, he dismissed us and welcomed anyone to observe the remains of my parents. I couldn't face them again so I stayed at my seat as everyone went to pay their respects. Once that was over with, the caskets were taken across the street to where they were going to be buried. Everyone gathered around the two holes that were already dug. I watched as the caskets were slowly lowered into the holes, first my mom, and then my dad.

"Let these two innocent souls rest in peace!" The preacher exclaimed.