cooked dishes that filled and occupied every inch of Gran’s kitchen. It is the popular belief in southern states that upon the death of a loved one, cooking duties are suspended for the family, and it is the job of those closest to the departed to provide nourishment for the loved ones. Without cooking duties Gran found herself sinking deeper and deeper into the realization of all that she had lost. She tried to deflect the depression by reviewing and evaluating each dish presented and quickly determining that her version was better. She smiled and hugged each presenter and then proceeded to mentally dissect and ridicule each offering. It was the only way she knew how to prevent herself from a public breakdown. She didn’t know a time when she wasn’t reprimanding, caring for, or worrying about her husband.
The remainder of the funeral week was compiled of visitation, social gatherings, and more food. The culmination of the event was the presentation of the Colonel to the earth at the top of the only hill in the county. Seven, Gran, and Tiffany stood at the top of the incline. From the pinnacle they stood at the foot of the casket, looking out upon a sea of people dressed in their most appropriate funeral attire. Many had donned their prior and current military uniforms and the army had dispatched an active-duty detail to perform a twenty-one-gun salute. It was a gathering and ceremony befitting a great man and war hero.
Seven had not forgotten about the Colonel’s last physical interaction with him. The letters and how they came to his attention were placed in the back of Seven’s thoughts throughout the various gatherings and ceremonies that filled the week. He shared the items and story with Tiffany, and she encouraged him to deal with all that it would come to be after the Colonel was returned to the earth. Their relationship had matured emotionally and physically. Seven knew that she was to him as Gran was to the Colonel. He accepted her counsel and instruction without pause.