That landed harder than anything else.
Cancer had taken control away from Jack piece by piece.
His school. His hair. His appetite. His privacy. His plans.
Eventually, his ability to walk without help.
But he had chosen this.
A red dress.
A promise.
A joke waiting six months for its punch line.
Theo finished, “So this is for Jack.”
He looked down at himself.
“I hate it.”
His sister called from the back, “You look great!”
The room erupted.
Even I laughed.
Theo shook his head.
“Thank you, Emma.”
Then he looked at the coffin one final time.
“You win, idiot.”
And stepped away.
After the service, everyone wanted to talk to Theo.
That was almost funny considering how many of them had stared when he entered.
Daniel’s brother was first.
He walked over awkwardly.
“Theo.”
Theo looked nervous.
My brother-in-law cleared his throat.
“I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
