Ryan drew a shaky breath as they all took a handle and hoisted the coffin into the air. In front of him was Graham, and behind him was Troy. On their right were Brendon’s father and two brothers. He had been the middle son. They began to walk solemnly along the gravel path as they headed towards the graveyard. There had to be one hundred people, maybe more, awaiting the service; and he was fighting off the tears with every step. The oak coffin was heavy, seemingly weighing down his heart even more. It dug into his shoulder as he marched behind Graham, but it was something you could hardly call pain. He ignored it as he focused on staying focused. He could not let his crumbling heart fail him now.
There was a sad tune playing in the background. He couldn’t tell what it was, because he didn’t want to lose himself to tears so early in the service. His eyes stung but he remained focused on the back of Graham’s head. He would not cry. Not now. He saw a flashback in his mind again of the explosion, but held himself steady as they reached the grave. Carefully, they placed down the coffin and stepped away. The tears in Ryan’s eyes immediately began to fall as he took a good look at the coffin for the first time. Draped across the top was an Australian flag, with a wreath of white flowers. Flowers laid down for him - Brendon.
[250 words]
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