Authors note: As I was writing the story 'Rehabilitation' I intended the third chapter to be the last. Even though it wasn't a typical happy ending, to me it made sense and that's how I wanted the story to finish.
Considering the reactions I've received in comments and private feedback messages, I felt the need to write a short epilogue to give people a less open ending.
Thank you for reading!
*****
It was a grey and rainy day. Unusually cold for the time of year. A weak breeze made the drizzling rain stick to coats and umbrellas. Paul had heard people complain about it in soft whispers, "Like this day isn't miserable enough as it is," but the light showers felt somewhat suitable to the occasion. The soft tapping of the raindrops even helped him calm his nerves. Every few minutes his hand went inside his jacket to feel for the piece of paper that was resting securely in the inside pocket. It was like a nervous twitch that made him check if it was still there. Speaking in public had always unnerved him, but it was the idea of showing emotions in front of people that scared Paul most. Despite that, the moment he was asked to say a few words during the funeral he was convinced he should and could do it.
The last few days had passed in a blur. Initially it was anger that he felt, but as time went by tears started to come and Paul's rage turned into grief. It was not until late last night he had been able to put some words down on paper. His feelings were clear, but which of those feelings he wanted to share he was unsure of.
A friendly voice called him to reality, "Paul..?" The funeral director was staring at him with a patient and comforting smile on his face.
Paul nodded briefly and got to his feet, fumbling in his pocket for the piece of paper. His hand was shaky and it took him a few tries to unfold the note completely. Taking a deep breath he tried to calm down his emotions, swallowing and clearing his throat as he looked at the people in front of him. Searching for familiar eyes that would calm down his racing heart beat.
After another deep breath he started reading out loud. The words came without much difficulty but they sounded empty. It was like he was simply stating facts. The first moments passed hazily, like the voice he heard speaking wasn't his own.
As he neared the end of the speech he started feeling his eyes sting, making him blink to fight back tears. The words he spoke started to sound more broken up and every few lines a soft sigh was necessary to keep reading.
"She was a wonderful woman. Strong and determined to fight for what's important. People would call her stubborn, but she showed me that you can do a lot more than you think if you put your mind to it."
