“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”

I squeezed out a tear. Poor Frank, or whoever it was. People are so different alive, and funerals are all the same. As I pondered the implications of this, a boy came and sat by me.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m a family friend…” He wasn’t buying it, so I gave up. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m getting paid to sit here and cry.”

“Really?” He thought about it for a moment. “Do you want to know my secret?”

“What?” I asked. He shook his head. “Come on…” A smile spread across his face, and he leaned closer.

“I put a cookie on Gran’s hat.” I looked up and there it was, row one. As she leaned forwards to pick up her tissue, the misplaced dessert rolled from its perch, across the grass, and into the grave. Everyone froze, unsure of how to react. I looked at the boy and saw he was giggling. He leaned towards me again.

“Now Grampa can have a cookie too!” We both burst out laughing.

Needless to say, I am now searching for a job.