Mom arranged the funeral. All of Ms. Stanley's family and friends came. Rylee brought tissues for those who end up in tears. I cried the most. Jem, upon seeing me, held me closer. I sobbed on her shoulder.

Ms. Stanley was buried under a sycamore tree, just like the one she painted. Her tombstone reads:

Norma Stanley

Dear Friend & Beloved Mother, Sister, and Aunt

1941-2009

Everyone placed bouquets of flowers. I left a white rose and a small turtledove. It was her favorite bird.

Later that day, I went straight to my room.

"Don't you want anything to eat," Jem asked.

"No thanks." I locked the door. I was too miserable to eat.

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Note: Norma Lloyd was my late grandma. Mr. Stanley was her late friend and neighbor.