Black Air

he sniffed. took a very deep breathe. the smell of the funeral flowers was pungent but tolerable. he took every piece of air in the area. the solemnity of the crowd was felt under his skin. yes. he could get used to this. believing that wakes and funerals contain black air that he assumes "unlucky", sticking into his skin. he normally avoids mortuaries, hearse, and coffins. he barely looked at cemeteries along the road nor visit dead relatives during all saint's day. for him, physical attachment to symbols of death is unlucky.

but not this time. he has no choice. the death involved is in his workplace. a national scientist passed away. and he has no choice but to take in everything that night.

he somehow managed to maintain his composure. he was able to perform his task well. but his eyes kept avoiding the open coffin where the cadaver was lying. he isn't afraid but rather uncomfortable.

past midnight. when everyone else was starting to feel groggy. the sound of the water dispenser was visible to the ear. he looked at the room and stared directly into the coffin where the body was resting. he walked into the red carpet towards the cadaver. the smell of the flowers filled his nose. but he continued. the guard beside the coffin briskly saluted him while still staring at the blank space.

and there it was. he was directly gazing at the lifeless body. he looked cautiously on it's face. how pale and magnificent it was. it's fingers clasped while holding a rosary with beads made from pearls. he took a deep breath. and slowly whispered.. "you're worthy for my "first" peek. may you rest in peace doktora."