#graveside variety

[amandapalmer]

Sexy new author photo time! I never wear my hair down but I’m getting brave so you better believe I’m serious about getting back into being an author this year. And…while I have you here, a great excuse to talk about my upcoming book-y events. ✍️

Fate dealt me a great hand when I was working away in the Porter Square Books café a few months ago and I ran into the photographer Mark Ostow, who asked if he could take my portrait.

And boom, beautiful new author photo for me!

I am working on deals for several new books and it’s VERY EXCITING!!

And at the same time, I’ve been steeped in so many incredible and inspiring new books and made friends with so many POWERHOUSE GODDAMN WRITERS from the NY area…and hell, I have my own venue….

…so I decided to connect all the dots and I’m hosting three salon-style “in conversation” events this month at Graveside Variety, my little crowdfunded hidey-hole in Woodstock, NY.

Co-presented by our local indie The Golden Notebook Bookstore, only 50 tickets for every conversation (all tickets are $25 and help keep the venue afloat) and will include a Q&A with me and each author.

We are also curating a special book sale table for each event! There’ll be coffee and tea and tears and truth and I hope you all make the trip. This is the way I really wanna say goodbye to this iteration of this venue: with stories that don’t usually get told. With stories that matter. Come share in the moment.

I’ll be throwing down with authors:

Elizabeth Lesser (bestsellers “Broken Open” and “Cassandra Speaks: WHEN WOMEN ARE THE STORYTELLERS, THE HUMAN STORY CHANGES”)

May 12th - 12:30pm

Katherine Yeske Taylor (author of brand-new “SHE’S A BAD ASS: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism”)

May 18th - 1pm

Leslie Jamison (author of best-selling “The Recovering” and the new - incredible - “Splinters”)

June 1st @ 1pm

Get tickets FAST. Leslie’s day is nearing sold out. These are gonna be so so cosy and good. Read the books and come armed with questions !!!

All tickets here:

Gravesidevariety.com

We are at 33 Rock City Road, in Woodstock, NY

📚♥️🙏

[circle-with-me]

‘tis the damn season - part 3

Pairing: Will Ramos x OFC (Gen/Viv/Vivvy)

Content Warning: hurt/comfort, more hurt/no comfort, angst, fluff, mentions of death, funerals, mentions of alcohol,

Word Count: 2.7k

Tag list: @concretenoah @deathblacksmoke @midnight-eternals @bngurngheart @malice-ov-mercy @witchyweeb34 @lyschko666 @cookiesupplier @lilrubles @meekahy @lacktoesandtoddlerants

If you would like to be added to my tag list for this series or my other works, please sign up here.

Author’s Note: Hey guys. I’m so sorry this part took so long! Getting sick really threw me for a loop but I’m back at it now. Thanks for being so patient! I promise we’re getting into the cute stuff soon! I won’t make you suffer much longer 😂 Thank you all for reading 🫶

The funeral home didn’t look as mundane with all of the flowers decorating it. A pleasant floral scent was doing its best to cover up the previously musty one, but it still lingered in the air. Gen observes each arrangement quietly. Recognizing some names, others she didn’t. She appreciated the gesture but didn’t have a clue what she was going to do with all of these flowers after the funeral was over.

She walks further into the visitation room avoiding the open casket. The casket spray lying on the closed end looked better than the photos. A mix of red rose and white carnations on top of green ivy and salal. A variety of standing sprays and tabletop bouquets with the same arrangement were scattered around the room. It was all part of a decor package the funeral home offered that Gen hastily picked to make the experience as painless as possible. It all turned out much better than she expected.

“Ms. Taylor?” The man’s voice startles her as she whips around to see Mr. Akins, the funeral director.

Gen smiles at the man. “Morning, Mr. Akins.” He smiles back. “I hope everything is placed to your liking.”

“Everything looks great, thank you.”

“Do you have any other family members coming for the preview?” He asks. Gen shakes her head. “Well, would you like to have a moment alone with your father?”

“I’ve had plenty of time already, thank you.”

Mr. Akins smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Very good, ma’am. There are already guests waiting in the lobby. I’ll let them know the visitation has begun.”

Nearly two hours later and her head was pounding. Her cheeks were hurting from faking smiles. If she had to listen to one more person tell her how much Gabriel had missed her and how they couldn’t believe she had stayed gone so long she was going to blow her brains out.

The line finally starts to thin out and Gen feels herself relax a little. She spots a mess of blonde curls a few people back and tenses again. She avoids his gaze until he’s right in front of her, his eyes soft as he peers down at her. It wasn’t a look of pity but of understanding. Despite their years apart, no one in the room knew how she felt in this moment better than he did.

“What are you doing here?” Gen asks quietly.

Will shoves his hands into his dress pants pockets and bounces on the balls of his feet. He shrugs and smiles. “What else do I have to do on a weekend other than attend my ex-girlfriend’s estranged father’s funeral?”

Gen laughs. “Literally anything else sounds better than this. You shouldn’t torture yourself at my expense.”

Will bobs his head from one side to the other. “Maybe not, but I figure I at least owe you a drink or something after I showed my ass yesterday.”

Maybe it was the sweetness of the gesture. Maybe it was the exhaustion. Maybe it was how good he looked in those dress clothes. Or maybe she was just desperate to get out of that damn funeral home, but she decides to take Will up on his offer.

It was just a drink. That was all. An “I’m sorry for being a jerk” drink. She owes him one of those by her count, as well.

Luckily, the funeral went by quickly with no complications. There was no graveside service and Gen was thankful she had made that decision. She wasn’t sure she could sit through another fake speech about the man.

“Hmph.”

Gen turns to see Will leaning against a pew toying with the knot of his tie. A look of discomfort was plastered across his face. She smirks and walks up to him. Loosening the tie she raises it over his head and hands it to him.

“I practically had to threaten you to wear a tie on our prom night and you wear one willingly to my father’s funeral? You really are sucking up.”

Will chuckles. “I’ll have you know I wear ties to all major occasions now, thank you.”

“Mmm. How very grown up of you, William.” Gen says, smiling.

“Yeah, I’ve done a bit of that.” He says it so plainly Gen couldn’t quite catch the meaning behind it. The look on his face didn’t give anything away either. He certainly didn’t appear angry so she didn’t overthink it.

“You ready to get out of here?” Gen asks. He nods. “Where are we going?”

“We can always go to Gabriel’s. I’m staying there as of this morning until I can get it sold. To no one’s surprise, there is plenty of liquor there.”

“Hell yeah, I’m down. He always bought the good shit.”

Gen places a hand on his shoulder as she starts to walk out of the room. “Great, you can also help me start to clean some of his shit out while you’re there.”

Will’s mouth drops open as he follows her outside. “Uh-uh, that’s bullshit! I didn’t sign up for that!

Will helps Gen bring her bags into the home, the floors creaking as he sits them down in the foyer.

“Fuck.” They say in unison.

Gen definitely had her work cut out for her. Hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and books were in stacks all over the house. Some of the stacks were nearly as tall as she was. The kitchen was a disaster. She didn’t even dare to open the refrigerator and she was pretty sure the mold in one of the bowls in the sink had developed its own space program. Every surface of the home was covered in a thick layer of dust and it clearly hadn’t been cleaned at all in years.

She’s seen worse episodes of Hoarders. She could handle this.

Her biggest concern was somewhere to sleep. She avoids her father’s room because fuck that. She wasn’t quite ready to go into her childhood room yet. So that left the guest room. She opens the door and it appears to be perfectly intact. Thank God for that.

Gen shut the door quickly.

“Well, the good news is, I have a place to sleep.” she says loudly.

“I have better news.” Will yells from across the house. “I found the good shit!” His head pokes out from around the corner as he raises a bottle of liquor in his hands.

“The couch is still in good condition too. Get your ass in here.”

“Okay, so you’re telling me that’s you?”

Will grins and nods. “That’s me.”

Gen blinks rapidly and points at his phone where the song was playing. “That is you? It sounds like an animal!”

Will threw his head back laughing. “They’re called pig squeals, Vivvy.” Gen starts to say something about the nickname but was too occupied by the smile on his face. It was a smile that spread across his whole face causing his cheeks to crease, showing his dimples. Her favorite part was his scrunched nose and how his eyes crinkled around the corners.

A warmth that she had not felt in years carves its way into her chest and spreads through her. The temptation to let it consume her was strong, but she shakes her head, almost as if she was telling her body no, and pushes it away.

“That’s definitely a sound I have not heard in music before.”

“Oh come on.. none of the artists you work with do pig squeals?” Will nudges her with his elbow.

Gen looks at Will and snorts, causing him to laugh again.

“Not quite. Most of the music I mix is indie pop or sickeningly sweet bubblegum pop that makes you want to shove the nearest sharp object into your ear drums.” She explains with a sarcastic smile.

Will sucks in a breath. “Yeah, I don’t envy you at all.”

“It’s not all bad. The pay is great and I love L.A. Everything I could ever want is there.”

Will scoffs and takes a swig of his drink.

“What?”

Will shook his head. “Nothing.” He was quiet and refusing to look at her now. A crack on the coffee table had suddenly become very interesting to him. Gen watches him run his index finger over it a few times before looking at his face. His left eyebrow was cocked and his jaw was working overtime. He was definitely upset.

She doesn’t get a chance to pry again because her phone starts to ring. Natalie’s name shows up on the screen and Gen groans at the bad timing. She knew if she didn’t answer that Natalie would call her incessantly.

“Hey, Nat, now’s not the best time. Can you ca-“

“GEEEEENNNNNNNN!!!!!” She hears both Natalie and Ezra yell on the other end. They were obviously plastered. Perfect.

“Guys this is no-“ She tries, once again.

“Gen Taylor! When are you coming home?! We miss you!” Ezra yells.

“I’m not sure yet, Ez.” She says, leaning back against the couch. “I’m gonna have to stay longer than I thought.”

“Boooooo!” There was Natalie. “It should be illegal to keep you in that horrible town, Gen. You need to come back home where you belong!” She says it so loud it makes Gen wince. She silently hopes Will didn’t hear it.

Evidently it was loud enough for Will to hear because he pushes himself off the couch in a huff and stalks to the kitchen. She hears him throw his ice in the sink and fill his glass with water.

“It’s not a big deal, Natalie. I’ll take care of everything and be home soon.”

This time she hears the glass being thrown in the sink.

“Listen, I really have to go. I’ll call you guys later.”

“BYE GEEEEEEN-“ She cuts them off before they can continue. She sighs and gets up from her seat. Guess she was going to have to deal with this sooner or later.

Gen steps quietly around the corner of the kitchen to see Will at the sink, his back facing her. His hands rest on the counter, head lulling between his shoulders. She stands there, fidgeting and trying to come up with something to say. Will beats her by breaking the silence first.

“So, Los Angeles is your home now, huh?”

Gen sighs. “It’s where I live, Will.”

“That’s not what I asked.” He turns around and crosses his arms in front of his chest. “You consider Los Angeles to be your home?”

Gen gazes at him momentarily. “It’s where I live. It’s where my job is. All of my friends live there. So, yeah, I consider it to be my home.”

“What happened to New York?”

“It was great, but I got a promotion. So, they sent me to Los Angeles.” She pauses to consider her next comment. “Clearly I’m not as weak as you thought I was.”

“Viv, I never said you were weak.” Will scoffs.

“I believe your exact words were ‘You’ll never make it in New York. They’ll eat you alive.’ Am I wrong?”

“I didn’t say that because I thought you were weak.”

“Then why did you say it?!” Gen yells

“Because you didn’t belong in New York!” Will yells back. “Just like you don’t belong in Los Angeles!”

“Yeah, because I belong here in Westwood? Suffocating here…. with you? Working at a shitty studio while we’re barely able to pay our bills. Giving up my dreams to make you happy while I’m dying inside?”

Will’s face twists in pain at her words. Gen has never wanted to disappear more than she did at this moment. She did feel suffocated when she was here but it wasn’t his fault. Why the fuck was she like this?

“I- I thought we were happy.” Will stutters, looking down at his feet.

Gen sighs and runs her hand through her hair. “We were, Will. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I just don’t understand why you wanted to leave so badly.”

“Jesus Christ, don’t you get it? I didn’t want to leave you, I wanted to leave here. I wanted to get away from all the fucking memories of my parents, and start over somewhere new. I wanted our life together to be more than some tiny town in New Jersey where we were constantly living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to stop having to look over my shoulder to make sure my asshole father wasn’t behind me everywhere I went. I wanted to be able to start a career and get comfortable financially so you could start a band and do what you love, too. All of my plans involved you. I tried to explain this but you couldn’t see past me leaving.”

“Viv- I..”

“When you told me I couldn’t go, I was devastated. It made me feel like you didn’t believe in me. What made it worse was that you just watched me leave. You didn’t even try to stop me.”

“Baby, I was angry. I was so angry for a long time. I was an idiot and waited too long. I tried calling you several months later but you had already changed your number. I couldn’t find your name or address anywhere. It was like you disappeared.”

Gen laughs humorlessly, “Yeah, Will, I did that on purpose. Mostly because of Gabriel but also because I was angry too. I changed my last name and now everyone calls me Gen even though I fucking hate it. And you wanna know why?”

Will gazes at her but doesn't respond. She walks closer to him with tears in her eyes. As soon as he sees them, he inhales sharply.

“It’s because I couldn’t fucking stand the thought of anyone but you calling me Viv. Or Vivvy. It made my fucking skin crawl.” Gen pushes a finger into his chest. “And you stand there and call me both as soon as you lay eyes on me. They just roll off your tongue like you never stopped saying them and I hate it because I can’t let you back in my head. I can’t.”

Will grabs her wrist gently and brings her hand to his face. Gen attempts to pull it back but his grip tightens. He leans into her touch and kisses the palm of her hand. A quiet sob leaves her and he shushes her gently, kissing his way up her arm and to her face. He kisses away the tears falling down her cheeks. His lips ghost over hers as he cups her face. They stare at each other for a moment, both trying to determine if the moment was real.

Will decides he had waited long enough. He had been dying to taste her again for so long. Pressing his lips gently against hers, he feels her go rigid then relax. Her body melts into his as one of his hands makes its way into her hair. He swipes his tongue against her bottom lip and she gives him access.

She tastes even better than he remembers. The mixture of peppermint and whiskey invades his senses. He could kiss her forever and never get tired of it. He never wants the moment to end. She was here. She was perfect. She was his, again.

At least, so he thought.

He feels her tense again, her grip around his waist loosens slightly. He wraps his arm around her waist hoping to keep her close but she was already separating their lips. She stares at him, panting.

“We can’t do this. I’m sorry.” She says as she takes a few steps back.

“What do you mean?” He asks, confused.

“I mean we can’t do this. It’s not a good idea. I’m only here to get this house cleaned up and sold and then I'm going back home. I’m not interested in whatever this is.”

Will stares at her in stunned silence. She won’t even look at him.

“Baby...”

“Will, just… Please leave.” Gen says sternly, she turns slightly and points in the direction of the door.

He starts towards the door and stops in front of her. Turning to face her, she still avoids his gaze.

“Just so you know. This is your home. Not this house but this ‘horrible town’ you’re in right now. Not a single one of those people in L.A. will ever care about you the way that I do.”

Will storms out the door, slamming it shut as he leaves.

Part Four

[topsyturvy-turtely]

Fluffbruary with turtely

(missed days edition)

Day 25

[day 24] [day 26]

prompts: breathe | offer | ignite by @fluffbruary <3

fandom: BBC Sherlock

will be uploaded to "That Stuff Called Fluff" on Ao3!

A/N: *loading dots* the... slowest... updates... ever... idk what you were expecting?! i AM a turtle?!

♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡

a 221b

He breathes out.

He follows the goosebumps caused by the carbon dioxide and oxygen mix coming from his lungs with his eyes.

Then his fingers itch to touch the bumpy skin; his fingertips almost not touching.

The man underneath him stretches and a noise is formed inside. It's a sound of content.

“What are you doing, Sherlock?”

“Deepening my analysis about the impact of my breaths on your skin.”

“You mean my goosebumps?”

“Horripilation, yes.”

“Nobody says that, you know.”

“Doctors say that. And I happen to know one.”

“But you aren't!”

Sherlock falls silent. So John turns around laying on his arm now, his upper body facing Sherlock. “What have you found out?”

“A variety of deductions, really.”

“Well, tell me about them.”

“First: Me breathing on your skin causes horripilation. Second: You like it when we share the air in between signs of affection.”

“It's called kisses, babe.”

“That's what I said, yes. Third: You like it when I breathe into your ear.” Sherlock whispers this into said body part. John stifles a shiver.

“You're such a tease.” The blogger growls and pulls Sherlock on top of him. They breathe the same air, hesitating, anticipating, until John gives in and kisses him lightly.

“Conclusion?”, he asks then.

“Conclusion”, Sherlock answers. “I am breathtaking.” Then he kisses him until breathlessness.

♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡

A/N: i simply can't be objective with my own writing. i love it and hate it at the same time (usually tending to the latter). PLEASE: give me feedback!

tag list! (tell me if you wanna be added or removed💚) @justanobsessedpan @helloliriels @fluffbyday-smutbynight @inevitably-johnlocked @hisfavouritejumper @rhasima @forfucksakejohn @ohlooktheresabee @turbulenttrouble @so-youre-unattached-like-me @totallysilvergirl @peanitbear @train-mossman @loki-lock @smulderscobie @timberva @grace-in-the-wilderness @chinike @pansherlock @the-smol-bean-libby-blog @jawnn-watson @whatnext2020 @escapingthereality @missdeliadili @kettykika78 @musingsofmyown @7-percent @speedymoviesbyscience @astudyin221b @francj15 @almosttinycowboy @ladylindaaa @we-r-loonies @mxster-jocale @sherlockcorner @noahspector @our-stars-graveside @jobooksncoffee @baker-street-blog @psychosociogentleman @quickslvxr @macgyvershe @myladylyssa @johnlock2708 @battledress @a-victorian-girl @dreamerofthemeadow @oetkb12 @ohnoesnotagain @mutedsilence

[theloverstomb]

The embroidery metaphor stresses the intricacy of the human body. The cabinet contained many visual bridges between handwoven fabric and the tissue found within the human body, such as the foetal skeleton holding the handkerchief. Ruysch also created decorative covers for his phials from a variety of luxurious fabrics, along with diligently prepared membranes and skins drawn from the human body. According to Ruysch, these covers functioned on two levels: ‘All these covers appear to us very red and elegant, in which the blood vessels, filled with a red kind of wax, are countless; this is not only pleasing to see, but is also useful for one who likes to verify accurately the course of the arteries.’ A foetus lying in a tomb wore a nightgown made from the membrane of a sheep ‘through which many red filled arteries run, replacing a silk embroidered spread’.

Bert van de Roemer, “Anatomy Embellished in the Cabinet of Frederick Ruysch”, Death: A Graveside Companion edited by Joanna Ebenstein

[faithfuneralservice]

Funeral Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families in Paragould, AR

Planning a funeral can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Having a clear checklist can make this process more manageable, helping you ensure every detail is covered. Whether you're arranging for a burial or cremation in Paragould, AR, or setting up funeral arrangements through a local funeral home in Paragould, AR, this guide from Faith Funeral Service will walk you through each step with care and clarity.

Step 1: Decide on Burial or Cremation

One of the most important initial decisions is choosing between burial and cremation:

Cremation in Paragould, AR: Cremation can offer flexibility, allowing families to hold a memorial service at a time that is convenient. Many families choose cremation for its simplicity, affordability, and the variety of memorial options available, such as keeping the ashes in an urn or scattering them in a meaningful location.

Burial: A traditional choice for many families, burial typically involves selecting a casket and a cemetery plot. Burial is often chosen for cultural or religious reasons and provides a designated place for family members to visit.

Step 2: Select a Funeral Home

Finding a compassionate and reliable funeral home is essential. Faith Funeral Service in Paragould, AR, offers comprehensive support for families, guiding them through every aspect of the planning process. Choosing a funeral home in Paragould, AR that meets your needs will make all the difference in handling logistics, arranging services, and honoring your loved one’s wishes with dignity.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Service

The type of service you choose can depend on personal preferences, traditions, and budget considerations. Common service types include:

Traditional Funeral: This service includes a viewing or visitation, a formal ceremony, and often a graveside service. It provides an opportunity for friends and family to gather, pay their respects, and share memories.

Memorial Service: Held without the body present, this service can take place after cremation or burial, offering flexibility for scheduling and location.

Celebration of Life: A more personalized approach that focuses on celebrating the unique life of the deceased, often incorporating favorite music, stories, or special mementos.

Faith Funeral Service can assist you in creating any of these funeral arrangements in Paragould, AR, and personalizing the service to reflect your loved one’s life.

Step 4: Arrange for Transportation and Viewing

If the deceased needs to be transported, the funeral home can coordinate this process. Additionally, if a viewing is chosen, schedule a time and location for close family and friends to say goodbye in a more private setting. Viewings are an opportunity for loved ones to come together, share memories, and support one another.

Step 5: Choose a Casket or Urn

Your choice between a casket or urn will depend on whether you selected burial or cremation.

For Burials: Select a casket that suits both your budget and the wishes of the deceased.

For Cremations: Faith Funeral Service offers a variety of urns, allowing families to choose a style that represents their loved one. The urn can be kept at home, buried, or used in a scattering ceremony.

Step 6: Coordinate Funeral Arrangements for the Ceremony

Plan the details of the ceremony to create a meaningful tribute. Key elements to consider include:

Location: Choose whether to hold the service at a church, funeral home in Paragould, AR, or a meaningful outdoor venue.

Clergy or Officiant: Select someone to lead the service, whether it’s a clergy member, family friend, or close relative.

Speakers: Identify family members or friends who may want to give a eulogy or share memories.

Music and Readings: Choose songs, hymns, or readings that were meaningful to the deceased.

Flowers and Decor: Select arrangements and decor that reflect your loved one’s personality and taste.

Step 7: Notify Family, Friends, and Community

Once funeral arrangements in Paragould, AR, are finalized, inform family, friends, and the community of the details. You may choose to make an announcement through social media, a local newspaper obituary, or an online post with the help of the funeral home. Faith Funeral Service can assist in creating and publishing obituaries to inform your loved one’s community.

Step 8: Plan a Reception or Gathering

After the service, many families choose to host a reception or gathering. This provides a space for friends and family to continue sharing memories, offering comfort, and supporting each other. Plan for food, seating, and a comfortable environment that allows everyone to connect and reminisce.

Step 9: Decide on a Final Resting Place or Disposition of Ashes

For those who choose cremation in Paragould, AR, consider the final disposition of ashes:

Keep the Urn: Some families choose to keep the urn at home as a personal memorial.

Burial of the Urn: Many cemeteries in Paragould have designated areas for burying urns.

Scattering: Ashes can be scattered in a meaningful location, following any local regulations and family wishes.

For burials, the graveside service is an opportunity to lay your loved one to rest and say a final goodbye at a chosen cemetery in Paragould.

Step 10: Consider Long-Term Memorialization

Memorializing your loved one creates a lasting tribute and provides a place for reflection. Options include:

Headstones or Grave Markers: Choose a headstone that includes the deceased’s name, dates, and possibly a special message.

Memorial Websites: An online memorial allows family and friends to share memories, photos, and condolences.

Memorial Donations: Many families choose to honor the deceased by requesting donations to a favorite charity or cause in their name.

Faith Funeral Service: Helping Families with Funeral Planning in Paragould, AR

Planning a funeral is an emotional and challenging experience, but having a clear checklist can help you stay organized. Faith Funeral Service in Paragould, AR, is here to guide you through each step of the funeral planning process, whether for cremation or traditional burial arrangements. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive support, ensuring your loved one’s service is meaningful and respectful.For more information on our services or to start planning, visit Faith Funeral Service. We are dedicated to helping families in Paragould honor their loved ones with dignity and care.

[zenasflower]

Flower Delivery in Liverpool

Flowers are a beautiful way to show someone how much you care. They can be used to celebrate important life events or to comfort a grieving family member. Whether you’re looking for a hand-tied bouquet or a gift basket, there are many options available to suit your needs.

Ordering a flower delivery online is easy and convenient. Many companies offer delivery in Liverpool on a wide range of occasions.

Same day

Floom’s flower delivery service in Flower Delivery in Liverpool Street gives you the option to send a hand-tied bouquet or plant arrangement anywhere in the area on the same day that you place your order. Just enter your postcode at the top of the page to get started.

A historic city on the river Mersey, Liverpool is home to a number of green open spaces. From the manicured lawns of Allerton and Aigburth to the woodland paths of Mossley Hill, the city has something for everyone.

Flowers are a great gift for any occasion. Creative Florist has a wide range of beautiful floral arrangements and gifts that are perfect for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversary, birthday or any other holiday. Their flowers are delivered to your loved ones on the same day, making them a perfect surprise.

Next day

With its evocative nickname as the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool has a great deal to offer visitors. One of the largest cities in England, it has a rich history, and boasts a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.

Send flowers to someone special in Liverpool to mark an occasion or say thanks, with options for local and nationwide next day delivery. Choose from a gorgeous bouquet of roses, lilies and alstroemeria complemented by delicate foliage, or send The Orient for a classic white arrangement with an exquisite scent. Your fresh bouquet will arrive in a special Eflorist box, protecting the stems and offering a delightful unboxing experience.

From special birthday flowers to romantic anniversary blooms and thoughtful get well flowers, Creative Florist offers the perfect floral gift for any occasion.

Subscriptions

Whether you want to surprise someone with a one-off bunch or have a bouquet delivered on a regular basis, Eflorist’s flower subscriptions are the perfect gift. Choose from a selection of arrangements, including the fragrant Orient, which features white oriental lilies and roses, complemented with gypsophilia and alstroemeria. The flowers are delivered in bud, and with just a splash of water and the included flower food, they’ll open to reveal their full beauty.

These flower delivery services are perfect for celebrating every occasion, from

Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to birthdays and anniversaries. And with sameday and next-day delivery options, you can keep your lucky recipient’s home or workplace flower-filled all year round! You can also order a weekly fresh flower subscription, starting at £35. This is an excellent alternative to sending a bouquet of flowers on a regular basis.

Funeral flowers

When someone close to you dies, it can be challenging to know how best to show your condolences. A beautiful floral arrangement is an impactful way to let them know that you care. However, finding the right floral shop can be overwhelming. A florist can help you choose the right flowers and guide you on funeral flower etiquette.

Flowers are a popular choice for funerals because they symbolize love and respect for the deceased. They also add beauty and warmth to the service, which is important in a time of mourning. Some popular choices for funeral flowers include roses, lilies, carnations, and gladioli. These flowers are available in a variety of colors and arrangements to suit any taste or sentiment. They can be delivered to the home of the deceased, the funeral service, or to the graveside ceremony.

Gifts

If you want to send a gift to someone special in Liverpool, you can choose from a variety of beautiful flowers and plants. The city also has a number of unique and antique shops that feature pottery and other home dcor items.

Booker wedding flowers is located on Booker Avenue in Allerton and provides sameday flower delivery in Liverpool and Wirral, as well as nationwide deliveries through Interflora. Its floral designs have been praised by customers and the shop is an accredited member of the Good Florist Guide.

Their bouquets are made from fresh, locally grown flowers and are a great choice for birthdays, Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day. You can also find a range of other gifts, including balloons, teddies, chocolates, champagne, and much more.

[newhavenfunerals]

Understanding the Different Types of Funerals and Memorial Services

Navigating the process of planning a funeral or memorial service can be an emotionally taxing experience, often compounded by the myriad options available. 

Understanding the various types of funerals and memorial services can provide clarity and comfort during this difficult time, ensuring that the ceremony honours the deceased in a meaningful way. This blog explores traditional Funeral directors Brisbane Northside, memorial services, celebration of life ceremonies, and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Traditional Funerals

Traditional funerals are perhaps the most familiar type of service. Typically, they involve a viewing or visitation, a formal service, and a graveside committal. The viewing or visitation allows family and friends to gather, pay their respects, and offer condolences to the bereaved. This aspect of the funeral provides a crucial space for communal mourning and reflection.

The formal service usually follows, often held in a place of worship or a funeral home. This service may include religious or spiritual elements, depending on the beliefs of the deceased and their family. Eulogies, prayers, readings, and hymns are common components. The presence of a casket, whether open or closed, is a central element, providing a focal point for the ceremony.

Finally, the graveside committal service is where the body is interred. This can be a solemn, intimate gathering or a larger event, depending on the wishes of the family. Traditional funerals offer a structured and often comforting ritual, helping those left behind to begin the process of grieving and closure.

Memorial Services

Unlike traditional funerals Brisbane, memorial services are typically held without the body of the deceased present. These services can take place weeks or even months after the death, providing flexibility for family and friends who may need to travel or make other arrangements to attend. 

Memorial services can be held in a variety of locations, including funeral homes, places of worship, private homes, or even outdoor settings.

Memorial services focus on celebrating the life of the deceased and providing an opportunity for loved ones to share memories, stories, and reflections. 

The atmosphere is often less formal than that of a traditional funeral, allowing for a more personalised and intimate experience. Elements such as photo displays, video tributes, and favourite music of the deceased can add a unique touch, making the service a true reflection of their life and legacy.

Celebration of Life Ceremonies

Celebration of life ceremonies are distinct from traditional funerals and memorial services in their emphasis on joy and remembrance rather than mourning. These ceremonies are designed to honour the deceased by celebrating their life, achievements, and the impact they had on those around them. 

They are often held in non-traditional settings such as parks, beaches, or community centers and may feature activities, music, and personal tributes that reflect the deceased's interests and personality.

The tone of a celebration of life ceremony is typically uplifting and positive, encouraging attendees to share happy memories and stories. 

These ceremonies can be highly personalised, incorporating elements that are meaningful to the deceased, such as favourite foods, hobbies, or even themed decorations. By focusing on the joy and love the deceased brought into the world, celebration of life ceremonies offer a unique and comforting way to say goodbye.

Environmentally Friendly Alternatives

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional funerals. Green burials, for example, aim to minimise environmental impact by forgoing embalming, using biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and avoiding concrete vaults. 

These burials often take place in designated natural burial grounds, where the land is maintained in a way that supports ecological balance.

Cremation is another option that can be tailored to be more eco-friendly. For instance, some families choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful location or use them in memorial gardens, coral reefs, or biodegradable urns that grow into trees. 

Additionally, water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is an emerging method that uses water and alkaline chemicals to break down the body, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional cremation.

These environmentally friendly options resonate with those who are conscious of their ecological impact and wish to leave a legacy of environmental stewardship. 

By choosing green alternatives, families can honour their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values and contributes to the preservation of the natural world.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal decision, influenced by the deceased's wishes, religious or cultural traditions, and the desires of the family. 

Whether opting for a traditional funerals Brisbane, a flexible memorial service, a joyous celebration of life, or an environmentally friendly alternative, the goal is to create a meaningful tribute that honours the deceased and provides comfort to those who mourn. By understanding the different types of services available, families can make informed choices that reflect the unique life and legacy of their loved one.

[farewellfuneralsau]

Personalised Cremations Services

Personalising a service is important, offering people a way to connect with their loved one and share in their unique personality. From floral displays to a memory table displaying cherished mementos, these elements of personalisation can help make the service more meaningful.

Unlike funerals, memorial services don’t require a coffin to be present. This gives you more flexibility to hold a service at a variety of venues. To know more about Personalised Cremations Services in the Gold Coast, visit the Farewell Funerals website or call 0404660974.

Bare understands that losing a loved one is the hardest part of life, and they work to ease this process by providing expert guidance, compassion, and care. Whether you choose to have a traditional funeral service that has the coffin present, or a cremation ceremony and memorial, the team at Bare will make sure everything is arranged exactly as you want it.

You can choose to have a funeral or memorial service, and you may prefer to keep your loved one’s ashes in a special scatter tube or urn. They can also be buried at the graveside of your choice. Regardless of which option you choose, the staff at Farewell Funerals will be there to help you with everything. This includes arranging the transfer of your loved one to their crematorium within business hours, liaising with the relevant authorities and registering the death. It will also include body preparation including your loved one’s clothing, and a vehicle for transportation to the crematorium.

In the wake of a growing environmental awareness, traditional funeral arrangements are being called into question. Cemeteries and crematoria require a lot of space and are polluted by toxins from embalming fluids and casket materials, while flame-based cremation uses up to 250kg of energy in the form of carbon emissions.

A number of goodbye services consist of aspects that value social and spiritual customs. Gold Coast funeral directors are fluent in accommodating a wide range of social and spiritual practices, guaranteeing the occasion is significant and respectful to your loved one’s beliefs and worths.

Farewell Funerals are an experienced team of professionals who are dedicated to creating personalised funeral services that honour your loved ones. They understand that this is a journey that no one should navigate alone, so they provide unwavering support and help you create a tribute that is meaningful for you and your family. Their commitment to personalisation makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to plan a funeral that is dignified, respectful and affordable.

The passing of a loved one is an emotional event. To ease the stress, funeral directors can offer a variety of creative services to help families bid farewell in a unique way. These may include a variety of memorial items like photo cds, image urns, and even personalised candles that can be used to keep in mind the person’s memory.

The majority of goodbye services consist of elements that value social and spiritual customs. Gold Coast funeral supervisors are fluent in accommodating a wide range of social and religious practices to guarantee that the occasion is significant and respectful of the ideas and values of your enjoyed one.

The no fuss cremation package includes a collection of the body from hospital or home, a memorial service and returning of the ashes. It is ideal for people who want to minimise costs and the process can be completed within a day.

A funeral service involves a coffin being present at the service, so it needs to be held at a venue that can accommodate this. A memorial service on the other hand doesn’t require a coffin and can be held at a wide range of venues including churches, local town halls or even your home. To know more about Personalised Cremations Services in the Gold Coast, visit the Farewell Funerals website or call 0404660974.

Farewell Funerals has a deep understanding of the Gold Coast community and are committed to creating individualised services that honour your loved ones’ life and legacy. Whether you’re looking for immediate support or want to plan ahead, their team will guide you through the options with compassion and professionalism. They also offer a range of eco-friendly funeral options and burial and interment sites to suit all cultural and spiritual beliefs. Their dedicated staff is highly experienced and have extensive knowledge of all aspects of funeral planning. This makes them a premier choice when it comes to cremations in the Gold Coast.

[firstmemorialottawa]

What Variety of Cremation Services Can Be Found in Ottawa?

In the realm of bidding a final farewell to your loved ones, comprehending the diverse array of options for cremation services in Ottawa holds utmost importance. Coping with the loss of a family member or friend is a challenging journey, and making well-informed decisions regarding the farewell process is pivotal. At First Memorial Funeral Services, situated in Ottawa, we are dedicated to presenting a spectrum of services tailored to accommodate various needs and budgets, all while maintaining a profound focus on preserving the treasured memories of your loved ones.

What are the different types of services available for honoring our loved ones in Ottawa?

Certainly, there are various options ranging from traditional burial services to cremation services, pre-planned funerals, visitations, and even direct cremation services. These options empower you to bid farewell to your loved one in a manner that resonates with your personal preferences, cultural background, and financial considerations. It is imperative to take into account diverse factors such as religious affiliations and individual preferences during this sensitive period to select the most suitable service.

What options do we have for celebrating the life and legacy of our loved one?

Cremation services in Ottawa, such as those provided by us at First Memorial Funeral Services, offer flexibility in choosing between a formal religious service or a more informal gathering. These gatherings can take place either before the memorial day or as a display following the cremation, such as a memory board adorned with cherished photos and memorabilia. You also have the option of hosting a reception at a venue that holds significance to you and your family, whether it be a church or a funeral home. Furthermore, you can opt for a same-day service or a Celebration of Life based on your family's unique preferences. If desired, the urn can be displayed and buried later, allowing for a more adaptable approach.

What other services can we consider when planning the farewell for our loved one?

Apart from cremation services in Ottawa, we offer a range of additional options tailored to specific needs:

Graveside Service: This option allows for a graveside service at a mausoleum or cemetery of your choosing, conducted by a qualified speaker, priest, or minister, followed by a reception for family and friends to gather and share memories.

Same Day Services: For those preferring an immediate farewell, we provide same-day services with the interment of the urn later, offering a meaningful way to commemorate your loved one.

Immediate Disposition: If a straightforward approach is preferred, we offer immediate disposition without a formal service, enabling you to focus on your grieving process.

Away From Home Arrangements: In unforeseen circumstances where a loved one passes away while traveling, we can assist with arrangements to ensure their dignified return home, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

How can we ensure a smooth and respectful farewell for our loved one, and where can we find trusted assistance in Ottawa?

When seeking cremation services in Ottawa, First Memorial Funeral Services stands as your foremost and affordable choice. Our dedicated professionals are well-equipped to manage all aspects of the farewell process, including cultural or religious rites and other essential services. Understanding the trying nature of this time, our aim is to provide you with the guidance and support you require. Contact us today for more information and assistance with your funeral planning needs in Ottawa.

Navigating the options and choices for cremation services in Ottawa is a vital aspect of bidding a heartfelt goodbye to your loved one. At First Memorial Funeral Services, we strive to provide compassionate and personalized services that align with your preferences and needs, ensuring a respectful and meaningful farewell.

[perthcremations]

The Complete Guide To Funeral Planning

When a loved one passes away, it’s important to make sure their final wishes are being carried out. This will be a difficult time, but with proper funeral planning, it can be made much easier. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about funeral planning, including prepaid funeral plans and how to choose the best funeral director for your needs.

There are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s important to consider the cost of the funeral. Funerals can be expensive and at Perth Cremations, we offer a range of funeral services at different price points from low cost and up, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.

Secondly, considering the wishes of your loved one is a great way to show them honour. This includes any religious or cultural traditions that should be included in the service, as well as any personal preferences that your loved one may have had. It’s important to honour the wishes of the deceased as much as possible, while also taking into account the needs and preferences of the family.

Thirdly, the emotional needs of the family need to be prioritised. Losing a loved one is never easy, thereby providing support and comfort to the family during this difficult time should be a top priority. We provide a range of personalized funeral services to help families say goodbye to their loved one in a way that feels meaningful and special.

At Perth Cremations and Burials, we recommend using the following points as a key guide for your funeral planning process:

1. Start by choosing a funeral director that you trust and feel comfortable with

When it comes to choosing a funeral director, it’s important to do your research and choose a provider that you feel comfortable with. At Perth Cremations, we have an experienced and compassionate team of the best funeral directors in Ballajura and Averley who are committed to providing the highest quality of service to our clients. We take the time to listen to your needs and preferences, and we work with you to create a personalized funeral service that meets your needs and honours the memory of your loved one.

Look for a funeral director that is licensed, experienced and has a good reputation within the community. Consider their location and availability, as well as their service range and associated pricing. We recommend scheduling a consultation with a few different funeral directors so you can make the right decision for you and your family.

2. Select a suitable sendoff for your loved one

At Perth Cremations and Burials, we understand that every family is unique, and we strive to provide personalized and compassionate funeral services that meet your individual needs. We offer a variety of traditional burial packages and cremation services for our clients to choose from. Our burial services include graveside services, traditional funerals and prepaid funeral plans that can be customised to your budget and preferences. Prepaid funeral services have the benefit of taking the burden off the grieving family if paid in advance for yourself, or on behalf of someone else. The cremation services include direct and traditional cremation with a memorial service. Direct cremation is the straightforward and dignified process of cremating a loved one without a funeral service. This is a good option for those who want a more private and dignified farewell at a lower price point.

3. Choose a casket or urn that fits your budget and personal preferences

Depending on your chosen sendoff for your loved one and the package selected, we have a range of options available to make your funeral planning experience as seamless as possible. Our standard size Eton coffins have “drop bar” handles and your choice of either white, jarrah, rosewood or teak. Our standard size Swan coffins are available in white, jarrah or rosewood with “solid grip” handles. The packages available at Perth Cremations and Burials can also include Jarrah Cross Grave Markers and a spray of flowers.

4. Decide on a date and time for the funeral or memorial service

Discussing funeral plans with your family is a very difficult, but important conversation. Once you’re able to decide on these details, Perth Cremations and Burials is here to take care of everything else.

5. Decide if you would like to host a wake after the funeral or memorial service

In addition to the funeral service, many families also choose to hold a wake or gathering to celebrate the life of their loved one. You may choose to hold the wake at a family member’s home, a community center, or a local restaurant or pub. You’ll also need to decide on the timing of the wake, taking into account the schedules and availability of your guests. A wake can provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together to share memories, stories, and support.

In conclusion, funeral planning is an important process that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By choosing one of our best funeral directors, considering the wishes of the deceased, and taking into account the emotional needs of the family, you can create a meaningful and respectful farewell for your loved one. At Perth Cremations and Burials, we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized funeral services that meet your individual needs and preferences. Contact us today to learn more about our range of funeral services, including prepaid funerals and how we can help you through this difficult time.

[virgofunerals]

What are Traditions Funerals Vs Modern Funerals?

When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one, there are many different funeral options to choose from. Some people prefer traditional funerals, while others prefer more modern ceremonies. At Virgo Funerals, we understand that every person is unique, and we strive to create a farewell that reflects the personality and values of the individual who has passed. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between traditional funerals and modern funerals, and help you determine which option may be right for you and your loved one.

Traditional Funerals

Traditional funerals have been around for centuries, and typically include a viewing, funeral service, and burial. The funeral service usually takes place in a church or funeral home, and may include religious rituals, hymns, and prayers. Traditional funerals also often include a visitation period where friends and family can pay their respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the surviving loved ones. The viewing and funeral service are followed by a graveside service, where the remains of the deceased are interred in a cemetery.

One of the main benefits of a traditional funeral is that it provides a structured and formal way to say goodbye to a loved one. This can be comforting for many people, especially for those who find comfort in religious rituals and traditions. Traditional funerals are also a way for families to pay respect to the deceased, and to ensure that their memory is honored and preserved.

Modern Funerals

In recent years, there has been a shift towards more modern, personalised funeral ceremonies. Modern funerals often take place in a variety of settings, including funeral homes, parks, community centres, or even private homes. These funerals are designed to reflect the personality, values, and beliefs of the deceased, and may include elements such as music, poetry, slideshows, and other personal touches.

One of the main benefits of a modern funeral is that it allows for greater flexibility and creativity. For example, a modern funeral could include a celebration of life, where friends and family share stories, memories, and photos of the deceased. This type of ceremony can be a meaningful way to remember a loved one and to celebrate their life, rather than simply mourning their death.

Another advantage of modern funerals is that they can be more cost-effective than traditional funerals. Since modern funerals often take place in less formal settings and may not include as many formal elements, they can be more affordable. Additionally, modern funerals are often more environmentally conscious, with a focus on natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly burial options.

In conclusion, both traditional and modern funerals have their own unique benefits. It is up to each individual family to decide which option is right for them and their loved one. At Virgo Funerals, we are here to support you and help you create a farewell that reflects your loved one's life and legacy. Whether you choose a traditional or modern funeral, our team of compassionate professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

[witchyfashion]

Death: A Graveside Companion: A Graveside Companion

The ultimate death compendium, featuring the world’s most extraordinary artistic objects concerned with mortality, together with text by expert contributors

Death is an inevitable fact of life. Throughout the centuries, humanity has sought to understand this sobering thought through art and ritual. The theme of memento mori informs medieval Danse Macabre, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, Renaissance paintings of dissected corpses and “anatomical Eves,” Gothic literature, funeral effigies, Halloween, and paintings of the Last Judgment. Deceased ancestors are celebrated in the Mexican Day of the Dead, while the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead to secure their afterlife. A volume of unprecedented breadth and sinister beauty, Death: A Graveside Companion examines a staggering range of cultural attitudes toward death. The book is organized into themed chapters: The Art of Dying, Examining the Dead, Memorializing the Dead, The Personification of Death, Symbolizing Death, Death as Amusement, and The Dead After Life. Each chapter begins with thought-provoking articles by curators, academics, and journalists followed by gallery spreads presenting a breathtaking variety of death-related imagery and artifacts. From skulls to the dance of death, statuettes to ex libris, memento mori to memorabilia, the majority of the images are of artifacts in the astonishing collection of Richard Harris and range from 2000 BCE to the present day, running the gamut of both high and popular culture.

https://amzn.to/3ldxZG1

[lazuli-bloom]

Roses and Styx

Chapter 1 - An Inconvenient Attachment

Beetlejuice x Reader

Word Count : 5365

Sure life wasn’t always easy, it had it’s ups and downs, but you were doing alright for yourself. Mostly. However when you find a strange sight while on your lunch break one autumn afternoon, your life gets all the more unusual.

Archive | Next Chapter

--=--=--

The sun beat down on you, unobstructed by a single cloud in the vibrant blue sky. A pleasant breeze wafted by, chilling the heat of the sun’s kiss. Summer was in its death throes, but stayed determined to linger as long as possible. It gave an odd contrast to the scenery. The blazing warmth of a summer sun illuminating the turning leaves and tombstones on that early October afternoon.

You sat on a stone bench enjoying your lunch in the quiet peace of the graveyard. Most people avoided visits to the cemetery, not wanting to keep the company of the dead. You, however, frequented it. With few visitors and lovely Gothic inspired architecture, the cemetery made a relaxing place for lunch breaks. Plus, it was only a short walk from your job.

While there were benches throughout the graveyard, your favorite spot was one off in the corner and closest to the gate. That day, however, there had been a funeral held in that corner of the cemetery. So as not to impose, you picked a different bench to occupy. You tried to not let your gaze stay fixed on the graveside service, but the task proved to be easier said than done. The funeral repeatedly pulled your attention back to it by partly virtue of being an event you’ve rarely seen.

Many people, dressed in black, all focused on one grave. Most of the figures standing there were adults, but among the crowd were children clinging onto parents. The group was too far to get a proper look at any of the mourners, but there was one that stuck out. A man, slightly broad in build, wore a peculiar striped suit with wide vertical bars in black and white. You noted the clothing choice as strange, but tried not to judge. Perhaps he wasn’t able to get a solid black suit on short notice.

The strange pattern of the suit made it easy to pick him out against the other mourners. He didn’t stay still. He moved around, seeming to want to get other’s attention only to be ignored. The man’s bizarre actions, coupled with the indifference of the crowd, were major reasons you kept glancing back to the funeral.

You shake your head and check your phone, almost two o’clock. Time to head back to work. You grab your trash and get up with a stretch. With one last glance back to the funeral, you find the striped suit man looking back your way. You pay him no mind and check your phone once more before heading to leave.

To wring the most time and relaxation out of your lunch, you amble back to the hardware store. You turn to the next street where brick shops sat side by side. On the corner was a shop with a rounded, sun-faded green awning stretched over most of the front facade. Your eye glanced over the printed “Rose Creek Hardware” in yellow letters for what must have been the millionth time.

The bell above the door chimed as you stepped inside. To your left an older mustached man stood behind the front counter. He wore a light blue button down under a green apron, both tight around his rounder stomach. He gave you a warm smile that you returned.

“Back from lunch already, Cass?”

“Yeah. It’s really nice out today, I can hardly believe it’s October already.”

“Hopefully, when I get the Halloween decorations up, it’ll give things a more autumn feel.”

“Can’t wait to see it, Mr. Turner! Oh, and is Sam still here? Or have they left already?”

“They’re still around. Sam was helping the new hire.”

You nod and make your way behind the counter to retrieve your apron. After you get the strings tied, you do a sweep of the store. You found Sam in the back corner pulling merchandise forward. They didn’t notice you straight away, so you softened your footsteps for your approach. You stayed at their back until they turned enough one way that you could slip around to their side and not get caught in Sam’s peripheral. Once close enough to the shelving yourself, you slap your hands down on a bare spot- “-Missed a spot!”

Sam seized up, grabbing the shelf for support. “Geez, dude! You trying to kill me?” A wide grin breaks across your face. You chuckle to yourself as Sam regained some composure. They took a breath, shot you a glare, and got back to work.

“Heard you were training the new guy.”

“Yeah, he left already.”

“What’s he like?”

“Eh. Kinda boring? White bread personified, if you ask me. Dude came in with a dress shirt and tie.”

You shrug and start helping pull forward items. While turning products to have labels front-facing you continue on with your conversation. “Sounds like all I’ll have left to talk to will be Mr. Turner.”

There was a pause in that moment, and a sting of sorrow poked at your heart. You do your best to smother the feeling and focus on your work. It’s better to cherish the moment. You force yourself to smile and keep your chat going.

“So, there was a funeral today-”

Sam groaned and rolled their eyes at you. “You went to that creepy graveyard again? How are you not haunted?”

“Hey! I told you, it’s close by and usually quiet. I enjoy taking my lunches there. Anyway, there was a funeral and one guy there was in a weird suit with black and white stripes. Kinda like the Hamburglar.”

“I swear. You’re a magnet for the weirdest shit. It’s all those shitty movies you watch that seep into your head. How the hell do you not get nightmares?”

You stay silent and look over the product in your hand as your mind wandered back to your most recent nightmare. Piercing blue dots masked in shadow, watching every move you made. You shake your head to dismiss the thought.

You huff out a small laugh. “Guess that stuff just doesn’t get to me.”

“Whatever. Just don’t let any of your weirdness rub off on my cat.”

You press your lips into a tight line and tap your finger against the pliers in hand. “You sure there isn’t anywhere else he can go?”

“Cassie, I already told you I checked.”

“I’m just worried. I don’t think this is a good idea. My apartment doesn’t allow pets.”

“It’s just for two weeks. I’ll pick him up on the sixteenth. Hell, that’s not even a full two weeks, just thirteen days. You’ll be fine.” Sam finished with their side of the aisle and took a step back. “When do you want me to drop him off?”

You breathe out through your nose and make a noise somewhere between a hum and a groan. “Seven should be alright. Donna’s always heads out to the bars on Saturdays, so it should be clear by then.”

“You need to lighten up and not worry so much. Maybe a cute roommate is exactly what you need.”

You don’t give a reply and go back to work. The two of you split off and start tackling other sections of the store. Time marched on, and all too soon, Sam’s last shift ended. Mr. Turner bid them a farewell with a handshake and handed Sam their last paycheck. You give them a small wave and focus back on your task. You knew full well you were going to see them later that night, so you didn’t see the point of having a drawn out goodbye right then.

Once Sam left, the rest of the day dragged on slower than a sloth on crutches. When there weren’t any customers needing help, you talked with Mr. Turner. It gave you something to do, sure, but time still crawled.

That day was one of the worst kinds you can have in retail. The kind that’s just slow enough you bored out of your mind, and peppered with enough customers that you couldn’t slack off and dick around on the store’s desktop. It’s like they coordinated to space themselves out to be the most annoying.

As grueling as it took to get there, five-thirty eventually rolled around. You and the boss took the last half hour to close the store. Sweep, wipe down the counters, count the till, all that good stuff. You were in the middle of dusting when Mr. Turner handed you an envelope. You thanked him and opened it to count the bills inside. Five whole Benjamins. With another thanks, you move the bills into your wallet and get back to dusting.

Once all finished, you headed out, followed by your boss. He locked the front door and walked with you around the side to the small parking lot. He hopped into his old pickup while you climbed into your little junker. The bucket of rust masquerading as a car was on its way out, but you planned on getting every mile out of it you could. Mr. Turner had driven off by the time you coaxed your car into starting. The car sputtered and hissed, but you got the clunker going.

The drive to your apartment complex was as mundane and silent as ever. Your only option for music was to sing it yourself, since the previous owner had beaten the hell out of the radio. CDs weren’t an option either as the owner before the last had stuffed the disc slot full of cookies. For what reason remained a mystery.

You drum your fingers on the steering wheel as you drove, watching familiar sites go by as you neared your apartment. Nicer well-kept buildings and streets slowly turned to the more rundown variety. The street grew more broken and in increasingly desperate need of repairs as you went.

Building after building, you passed by until finally it was time to turn off. You pull up to your complex’s parking lot, just as run down as the roads leading to it. Two buildings sat facing each other, both in contest for which one can be the most rundown. Your building nudged ahead of its twin with the recent addition of graffiti marring the exterior.

You park in your designated spot, managing to not bump up against the two cars encroaching on your space. You worm your way out without adding anymore dents to the black sedan, and head to the complex’s front door. Standing near the door with a cigarette between clawed yellowed fingers was a scrawny older woman with a perpetual sneer on her wrinkled face. Cold steel eyes narrowed at you as you dared to approach the harpy.

“Hi Donna. How are you?”

“Parker! Where’s the rest of your rent?”

You force a smile to mask the spike of irritation. This harpy is going to be the death of you. You clear your throat to help prevent your ire from bleeding out into your tone.

“Right here, Donna. I get my pay on Saturdays.”

“Not my problem. Rent is due in full on the first. Today is the third.”

“I tried paying you last Saturday, but you-”

“The first, you stupid child. Not Before. Not after.”

“Yes Donna, I know. I’m sorry, I needed to replace a flat tire an-.”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses. Just pay the rest of your rent and get out of my sight. You worthless leech, can’t even follow basic instructions.”

You press your lips into a tighter line to keep yourself from screaming at the horrid bat. It was best to bite your tongue and get the interaction over and done with as quick as you could. You pull out your wallet and hand over four bills. It was nice while it lasted.

Donna snatched the money from you and promptly counted it. Once satisfied, she took a long drag off her cigarette. She ordered you to leave while smoke seeped out of her mouth like a dragon.

You didn’t need to be told twice. You hurried off to your apartment, climbing the stairs to the second floor and making a beeline for your door at the end of the hall.

You shut the door, leaning against it and breathed out a deep breath. After calming yourself some, you set your keys on the counter by the door and step further into your little abode.

You make your way back to the small living room and crash on the dingy brown love-seat, tossing your phone onto the stained coffee table. You lean back and stare at the ceiling. A boring white painted over heavy popcorn texture, collecting all kinds of dust. You close your eyes and let your mind wander, wanting to squeeze some relaxation time out of the rest of the day. Too bad your phone rang.

Sam called to tell you they were on their way with the cat. You told them to be careful and not let Donna see them on the off chance that she hadn’t left for the bar yet. Sam, however, brushed aside your concerns and told you not to be so worried. You pinched the bridge of your nose and groaned at that. Sam wasn’t the one that had to deal with Donna and hopefully never will.

It wasn’t until a long while later that there was a knock at your front door. A quick check through the peephole showed you Sam was on the other side with a backpack and pet carrier. You open the door and hurry them inside. Sam stepped in, stopping in the space between the kitchen and living area, and looked over the place.

“Wow. This place is shitty.”

“Thanks, hadn’t noticed.”

Sam set the carrier down on your couch, and the cat inside growled in a low tone. Sam took off their backpack next and handed that one over to you.

“Here’s all of Rigel’s things; food, bowls, litter box, toys. I’ll be back in town to get the last of my stuff on the sixteenth, and I’ll pay you then.”

“I thought we agreed half now and half when you got back?”

“It’ll be easier to just pay you all at once.”

You drum your fingers on your thigh and let out a sigh. “Alright, fine. It will be nice to get two hundred dollars all at once.”

“See! You fuss over the smallest things.”

You change the topic by offering Sam something to drink but they declined. Sam still needed to pack up a few more boxes before the end of the night. You nod and give a small wave goodbye, only for Sam to pull you into a hug. Your muscles tense up, but you did your best to return Sam’s sudden hug.

There was a unique funk around Sam that made the hug even more challenging to bear. An overly strong lavender tried and failed to cover some mix of sweat and burnt coffee. Sam left shortly after, telling you to just call them should you need anything. You nodded and waved them off.

Once they left, you turn to Rigel stuck in his carrier. His hissing got louder the closer you got to the carrier, and was full on slashing at the front when you reached down to open it.

You recoil and let him be for the moment, choosing to set up his things in the bathroom instead. While your bathroom was on the smaller side, it seemed big enough for one cat to stay in. You pack up all the various toiletries that a bored cat might knock down and set out Rigel’s things. Litter box in the corner across from the shower stall, while his food and water were against the opposite wall between the door and the sink.

With that set up you go get the carrier. You did your best not to jostle it too much, but Rigel wasn’t pleased and let you know. He let out some of the most chilling demonic screeches as he knocked against the fabric carrier, desperate to break loose and slaughter you. You set the carrier down in the closet, closing one of the bi-fold doors so he had a dark corner to hide in. You braced yourself with a few steadying breaths before swiftly unzipping the front. Once open, you pull your hand back and leave the bathroom completely, making sure the door shut behind you.

You did your best to salvage the rest of your night, enjoying your cup of noodles while watching a movie. It was a B-Movie slasher about a supernatural being going on a killing spree in Las Vegas. And this somehow led to the being going to space in the next film. Overall, it was pretty cheesy, but got a few laughs from you.

Soon you had to wrap things up and head to bed. You sneak into the bathroom to swipe your toothbrush and clean them at the kitchen sink that night, and probably for the next two weeks. With a yawn and a stretch you change into sleepwear and crawl into your bed.

Sleep didn’t come to you easily, but it wasn’t a night full of endless tossing and turning, either. The rest you got didn’t feel like enough, as the buzzing of your alarm woke you too early for your liking.

You sat up rubbing your eyes and checked your phone for the time. The small screen on the back of the thin flip phone showed the time was seven o’ two. You heave out a sigh and pull the warm covers off.

While your body went through the motions of your morning routine, your mind wandered back to the images you saw in your dream. An island floated in the middle of a dark ocean with storm clouds rumbling high above. The cold wet sand pricked against your bare feet like needles, yet you kept on walking. You had found yourself on a rickety dock at least fifteen feet above the violent waves below. There was nothing around you, but you knew you weren’t alone. Down below, lurking beneath the water, two hungry orbs of blue glared up at you, waiting. Expecting. When you didn’t move from your perch, the beast thrashed at the pillars of the dock. You lost your footing and tumbled down to the abyss.

You shook your head, forcing your thoughts to jump back to the present. Chills ran down your spine as the nightmare crawled around in the back of your mind, clawing its way forward. You stuffed it as far back as possible and carried on with your morning.

You soon were out the door and on your way to work. You grip the toilet paper wrapped over your forearm, letting the lines of blood soak into it so it can better rest on your arm. Rigel had given you a few nasty scratches when you got him fresh water, the ungrateful bastard. At least there’s a first aid kit at work.

The bell above the door chimed as you looked at the time on your phone. The damn cat almost made you late for work. You make your way to the back room to grab your apron, only to bump into a man turning the corner. It took a second to get your bearings and notice you ran right into Mr. Turner.

“Oh shit. Sorry, sir.”

He laughed and waved you off. “Morning Cass, see you’re in a hurry.”

“Ah- no, well, kinda. I hit every red light getting here and-”

“You’re fine, don’t worry. No need to rush. Just get your apron and I’ll introduce you to the new guy.”

You nod and scurry back to grab the green apron. It hung by itself on the hooks, speckled in paint and smudges. By that point the thing was overdue to get tossed and replaced, but the same thing would end up happening to the next apron.

You throw it on and tie it behind yourself before going out to the sales floor. Mr. Turner stood next to a man younger than himself but older than you. The boss was the first to notice you and gave another wave. “There they are.”

The new guy turned and flashed you a wide smile, showing off straight white teeth in a hollow smile. Tamping down the disquiet, you force yourself to offer a smile in return. The man strode up to you and held out a hand. “Great to meet you, I’m Brandon! Mr. Turner was just telling me how great of a worker you are-” He squinted at your apron before going back to that fake smile- “Art. Interesting name.”

“Thanks,” you said, and hesitated a moment before taking his hand for a brief shake. On contact that strange buzz of discomfort shot from your palm through the rest of your arm. Once your hand was free, you fight the urge to rub off the non-existent traces of him. There wasn’t anything there, nothing real, and you knew that, but more than anything you wanted that feeling gone and the only way for it to leave was to brush it off. Why did people have to insist on handshakes, just needless physical contact with strangers? It’s stupid, and you hated it.

For the first half of your shift the boss had you go over the day-to-day tasks with Brandon. There were few customers in the store that Sunday morning, so you mostly had the guy pull forward merchandise and clean some shelves. Brandon did the tasks, but they all came with questions. Most of the questions were mundane things about the products stocked, store hours, and what times saw the most customers. The problem came when Brandon veered his questions towards you personally.

“So, is Art short for anything?”

“Artemis.”

Your answer was short and pointed. You already didn’t like that he was the type to read name tags over asking for someone’s name.

“Interesting. So you from around here?”

A shiver shot through you, and you’re quick to stop that line of questions. You ignore the question entirely, instead cutting in to tell him to finish front-facing the aisle while you go check on Mr. Turner.

The day dragged on until finally getting to your lunch break. Brandon, thankfully, caught on that you weren’t one to disclose much about yourself to a new face. However, that didn’t make the morning smooth sailing. You grab your lunch and speed off to the cemetery, eager to get a break from Brandon.

Your usual bench was free, and you took your place to enjoy lunch. Munching on your meal, you take in the sights, finding a serenity in the quiet. The sun shined brightly, causing some of the glossier headstones to reflect the rays. You hum to yourself and scan over the graveyard. To your surprise, you spotted someone in the far corner opposite you. Your brows furrowed, perplexed by the other. You watched the figure, curious of what they’re doing.

They wandered from gravestone to gravestone, kicking at the earth with hands stuffed into pockets. The build of the figure suggested a man, and one dressed in monochrome. You squint your eyes at them making sure you weren’t mistaken; but no, that was the same bizarre suit you saw a man wearing the day prior.

You keep your gaze fixed on him, wanting to figure out why he might be here a second day in a row visiting completely different graves. Did the man simply like to visit graveyards and have a limited wardrobe? If so, you didn’t want to comment on the matter out of fear of shattering the glass house.

You ate lunch with glances at the man. You wanted to piece together why he might be there. He wasn’t mourning; he moved from one grave to the next as if searching for something. The man in the weird suit went down one row of graves, heading away from you, only to hit the end and turn back for the next row.

You forced yourself to not look at him for fear of getting caught. But your curiosity burned, and you chanced a look up. He didn’t notice you, too engrossed in whatever he was doing. Embolden by that, you continue to munch away at your food and sneak glances at him. That is, until you swallowed wrong and went into a coughing fit.

You got your breathing under control a minute later and checked to see if he noticed. And oh boy, did he notice. The man was staring straight at you. It was awkward enough to get caught looking, but you noticed the man closing the gap between you two. He was still at the far end with well over two hundred feet between you, but you didn’t want to stick around and have that plummet to single digits.

Nope. You scoop up your belongings and speed-walk straight back to the store. You didn’t even chance a look behind you. Eyes forward and keep moving. You weren’t sure if he was actually still following; you didn’t hear any footsteps behind you. So that seemed like a good sign.

You blew past the door, bell violently chiming, and you made a beeline for the back. Your heart pounded against your ribs, wanting to break free and make a run for it. You take quick breaths, forcing the next to be longer than the last to get yourself to calm down. In the middle of collecting yourself, Mr. Turner walked into the back area with worry knitted on his brow.

“Cass, you alright? What’s wrong?”

“Is there a man in a striped suit in the store?”

He gave you a puzzled look, but left to do a sweep of the store. He came back half a minute later, shaking his head. “No, no one’s in the store dressed like that. What happened?”

“Nothing really. I just saw him in the cemetery and it looked like he was starting to follow me.”

He frowned. “Well, you just come to me if any creep is giving you a hard time. I’ll knock his teeth out for you.”

You manage a smile and nod. You take a few more breaths to calm down before you grab your apron. Things were going to be okay. The guy might not have even seen what store you went into. Heck, that guy probably didn’t even leave the cemetery. And even if he did, Mr. Turner was there to help you out of a tight spot. You smile a little brighter and step out onto the sales floor where you see the stripe suit guy looking at paint chips.

A strangled scream catches in your throat. You step back, dipping back into the employee’s only area of the store before he could see you. What the Hell were you going to do now? You couldn’t hide back there all day.

You push aside the fabric curtain dividing the sales floor from the back, and get a look at the man. With him much closer, you could see his green hair and the distressed look of his suit. He leaned forward, looking over the paint colors. Maybe he didn’t know you were back there. If so, you could wait in the back for a few minutes for him to just leave.

You close the curtain and slip your hands into your apron pockets. Your fingers brush over cool metal, and your thumb flicks up the slider on the side. It wasn’t much, but it was certainly better than nothing. Box cutter in hand, you look back out.

The stranger stayed put in front of the paint colors. You take a shallow breath, prepping yourself to go out. In the middle of psyching yourself up, you see Brandon wander over to the paint section. Hope bubbles up in you. The new guy can take care of him for you.

Brandon scanned over the section. He pushed down some color chips, looked over the desk before looking your way.

“Art! There you are.”

Brandon’s voice bellowed in the small store, not only earning a squeak from you but also causing the stranger to turn and look. You yank the curtain closed, hoping the man in the monochrome stripes didn’t get a good look at you.

Brandon parted the curtain a moment later and looked you over with knit brows and lips in a thin line. “Art, what are you doing back here? I don’t think it looks very professional for an employee to skulk around in the back all day.”

“The guy over at paint followed me from the cemetery.”

Brandon raised a brow at you. “There aren’t any customers in the store, and certainly not in paint, I would have seen them.” He pulled open the curtain with a flourish to reveal the man standing just on the other side. “See, no one’s there.”

Your eyes dart between the idiot holding back the curtain and the green-haired man tilting his head some with a grin plastered on his face. Thought processing came to a crawl as you tried making sense of what you were seeing. Your gaze lands on Brandon in the end.

“You don’t see anyone there?”

He rolled his eyes and looked back out to the sales floor. He then looked back at you with brows knitted further. “No, there’s no one there, Artemis. Perhaps you should stop taking your lunches in the cemetery if they’re just going to put scary thoughts in your head.”

Brandon frowned at you before stepping out onto the sales floor, going right through the man in the striped suit. He stopped to shiver, only to keep walking a second later. Once he left, your wide eyes landed on the man still standing there, still grinning and showing off sharp yellowed teeth.

“Hi there!”

Nope. Nope nope nope. You grab your box cutter and pull it out to point at the guy. And without a word you push aside the curtain more and go around the man. The man whined at your action and followed you.

“Come on babes! Don’t ignore me, I know you can see me!”

You keep walking, heading straight for Mr. Turner. He turns to you at your approach and the small smile fades from his face. “Cass? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

The gravelly laugh behind you sent shivers down your spine. You did your best to shake off the feeling and forced a smile.

“I’m not feeling too good. I was hoping I could go home early today.”

His lips sink further into a frown, but he gave you a nod. “It’s fine by me. But what about that man you were talking about that followed you from the cemetery? Are you going to be okay?”

The man behind you continued to laugh. You tighten your hands into fists, the metal of the box cutter pressing hard into the flesh of your hand.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay Mr. Turner. See you tomorrow.”

He nodded, and you handed over your apron while keeping the box cutter in hand. You offer one last quick goodbye and head out the door, the bell only chiming once. You march down the sidewalk and hear the strange man continuing to talk.

“So, babes, where are we heading?”

You pause at your car door. You take a few quick breaths and finally respond to this... person. “I’m going home. I’m obviously not feeling well and seeing things that aren’t there.”

You slip into your car and promptly lock all the doors. You heave a sigh and lean against the steering wheel as your brain sorts through all this nonsense. A groan rumbles in your throat and you lean back in your seat. In your peripheral, the man in the striped suit sat in your passenger seat sporting a sharp grin. Well shit.

[ourcorny]

charactersssss (a constant wip)

annie morris … twenty-five. currently haunted by her paintings and doodles. how embarrassing! waitress, artist, medicated for an illness she doesn’t has. is actually just from a bloodline of cursed female creative types. more info can be found @tghluck. (fc: mary elizabeth winstead)

edward ainsley … sixteen years old, is actually fifty-seven, vegan vampire. utterly disliked by his vampiric peers due to his being turned into a vampire in his youth, rendered sixteen years old for life. has a tendency towards alcoholism in order to silence his cravings for blood since he deems vampirism altogether unethical. more info found @pastytwat (fc: craig roberts)

robbie moore … fifty. always one of those too big for his own boots kinda guys – one of the ‘i’m jumping ship as soon as hit eighteen’ types. that’s what he did, and that’s when he absolutely fucked it. ran his mouth too loud for too long and ruined any chances he had anywhere he went. robbie is a writer but his unwillingness to compromise with his work leaves him unable to find any real place in the industry. an absolute self publishing expert. to pay the bills he’s an english teacher but there’s no real passion for it. he came back to his hometown after struggling his way around the country and settled down in a marriage with his high school sweetheart that turned sour quickly. the pair never had children and were heading to a painful divorce when his wife passed away suddenly. years down the line and he’s still trying to wrap his head around it. jesus fuck this guy. (fc: marc maron)

tara shaw … thirty-four. owner of SHAWSPB, an independent publishing company ran (run? past tense…? it’s confusing) by one tara shaw, someone who needs to work on her social skills. as it seems, you can actually only reject so many people so many times before it bites you in the ass. more specifically (and more accurately), you can only reject so many people so meanly after you fire the companies’ reader because they’ve let one too many trashy reads out of the slush pile and you have to start wading through the heaving thing yourself. opening manuscripts seemed well and good and safe enough because all you’d be facing is words that were crappy in a worst case scenario, until late one night, you stumble upon something that a sour faced rejectee (yes, one that landed themselves with a personalised handwritten and very specific rejection from the woman herself) gets their pages in the pile. tara opens it and finds that it’s no story at all. it’s a string of nonsense – words that don’t exist, script she’s not sure she’s ever seen before, but transfixed on the page, tara shaw reads the thing front to back and the second she puts the papers down is hurtled into the space time continuum, left to float around in there til something grounds her back into the real world, when or wherever that is. it’s an act of karma, or something, and whenever she lands she pukes her guts out because that’s what that kind of thing does to the human body apparently. (fc: natasha lyonne)

genevieve walsh … seventeen. was made fun of in year six for choosing to go to an all girl’s catholic secondary school, her classmates saying that she would end up a lesbian. she did, though it was unrelated to her formal teaching. very unrelated. she has too much going on and is too moody for her own good. extra info can be found @genegrieve. 

morrigan kenny … age unknown. bringer of the apocalypse. wanders earth with her way too long hair (it collects twigs and mud) looking for someone to spend the rest of the end with.

alex … thirty-odd (undisclosed actual age) years old. she is yet to learn to do her taxes, and is for all intents and purposes: a con-woman. arguably not an ethical profession, charging the old and the gullible for exorcisms and that of a supernatural variety while having no knowledge of the subject. but a girl’s gotta make a living — volunteering yourself for stand up gigs at the same place night in night out with little to no compensation doesn’t provide much. she’s a kind person, if you ignore the conning, and is decent to talk to. will give away any information. whoops. (fc: jenny slate)

lou webster … seventeen. modern prophet. refuses touch with good reason (skin on skin means she see the other person’s skin melting off, right to the bone). regularly sees the end of the world and it gives her stomach aches. (fc: natalia dyer)

liv o'dell … twenty-nine. screaming messy would probably win the lottery (the luck of her) if she ever tried it, multiple time accidental murderer. makes no sense. is rude. is annoying. has a surprisingly sweet daughter (kitty). more info @heavyroads 

betty cloverfield … a twenty one year old motormouth who can’t hold down a single thing she’s meant to. she happens to have recently induced some type of magenta sensitive dissonance in her sensory processing that she can’t shake. it’s speculated by many that she’s taken one too many poppers and it’s taken its toll. (fc: kat dennings)

aiden ryder … seventeen years old. the angstiest, quietest idiot with four fully charged portable chargers to hand at any moment you will ever know. heavily associated with @optimistsclub​ (fc: jack kilmer)

mert james ... 21. a children’s author, the writer and illustrator of the BEWARE GIANT CREATRUES series. he has many reasons to not want to leave his house and most surround the obvious images conjured in the phrase hatemyself1999 — hate myself (explanatory) and 1999 (dexter ‘mert’ james’ birth year. also self explanatory once you know this fact). all that said, he does in fact leave his house. teaches drums to kids. none of them practise and it makes him insane. in a running circuit of bands where none of the members are committed. that, or he’s misjudging their commitment and giving them nothing when they do in fact care and then he is the dick. music snob, deadpan snarker, karma houdini, middle child syndrome, world of cardboard, can’t get away with nuthin, i coulda been a contender!

lazyguts / victoria ... suicide/eating disorder mention. i’m writing her through ages 17-19 and here’s the brief overview/context: lazyguts lost all of her friends the year before she went off to university as a result of her total withdrawal [causes being a) her brother attempting to kill himself (he survived but it’s very confusing to grieve a hypothetical especially when you’re not supposed to talk about it) and then b) her already struggling with food issues getting worse worse worse. these two things alone are not the reasons as no one else explicitly knows about them, but the adverse effects of these things combined make her difficult to be around/hard to maintain a friendship with her. all very tragic, but still happens. uno].going to a uni where she doesn’t know anyone seems like the best move. she does. she makes friends with a girl called olivia and they become mad close very quickly. this lasts maybe two months until lazyguts starts locking herself away in uni room and doesn’t see much of anyone at all. she has to drop out on mental health reasons just before the end of her first year. she moves back home and lives miserably and very solitary. she and olivia have long lost touch by this point. a few months later she sees an in memoriam post up on olivia’s social media from some of olivia’s friends saying how tragic the loss is, etc/ olivia had killed herself. the post had said something about a project for the close friends of olivia and she tentatively sends a message despite having never really known the girl. anyway, after quite a few ‘exaggerations’ and then a few straight up lies, she ends up super into the friend group of olivia’s based on the lie of being a long-time friend of hers. she’s not sure why the lie comes out nor why she keeps it going. it’s something to cling onto so she does. best way to put it is she’s very dear evan hansen about it, lying lying lying lllyyyinng. eventually she’s caught out but we’re not there yet (fc: odessa a’zion)

dale knox ... 30ish. painter/decorator. info literally not ever written out before. he’s lovely and in a constant state of stress! affiliated with @fullyfungi (fc: aidan turner)

lenny gata ... 26. lonely funeral poet. followed by a select few of the unknown dead #irl after an accidental latin spell read out at a graveside (not her fault, literally not her fault - she read this out in good faith). caught ignoring them/walking them to their homes depending on the day. (fc: aubrey plaza)

millie matthews ... 17. half part antichrist. the other half is her twin sister (#MISSING). currently, unfortunately, sadly, disappointgly, worryingly, being tracked down.

more tbaaaaaaaa thank you thank you

[zenasflower]

Sympathy Flowers - A Way to Express Condolences

Flowers are a wonderful way to express sympathy. Choose a thoughtfully designed arrangement that offers comfort and warmth, like this gorgeous white flower and kalanchoe plant, or try this peace lily and echeveria succulent that arrives in a keepsake cube vase.

Sympathy and funeral flowers are a thoughtful way to offer condolences when someone close to you has suffered loss. However, it's important to follow certain etiquette rules when sending these types of floral tributes.

Send a Heartfelt Sympathy Bouquet

Sympathy flowers are an expression of comfort and support to friends and family who have suffered a recent loss. These Sympathy flowers Liverpool can be sent to a wake, funeral or graveside service or delivered directly to the grieving family’s home. These heartfelt floral arrangements are often made with white roses, lilies and cushion pompons but may include other flowers that convey a special meaning to the deceased.

Pink snapdragons, lilies, green gladiolus and alstroemeria make up this serene pastel mixed bouquet of sympathy flowers arranged in a classic traditional vase. It’s a beautiful tribute to a life lived to the full and can be hand-delivered to a funeral, memorial or graveside service.

This lovely tribute basket is the perfect way to send your deepest condolences. It features radiant yellow lilies, yellow spider mums and elegant pale green hydrangeas that will evoke a sense of peaceful hope for the bereaved. This basket would be a beautiful addition to any memorial service or sent directly to the grieving family’s home.

Express Your Condolences with a Funeral Flower Arrangement

Flowers are a beautiful way to express your condolences to a loved one who has suffered a loss. However, it is important to follow funeral etiquette when sending floral expressions of sympathy.

Many flowers can be used for funerals, although white roses and lilies are typically considered the most appropriate flowers for a sympathy bouquet. Other flower options for funerals include gladiolus and hydrangea. These flowers signify strength and integrity, which is a nice way to show your support during this difficult time.

It’s also important to consider the religion of the grieving family when choosing a funeral flower arrangement. In some cultures, certain flowers or colours are forbidden. For example, Jewish families may prefer to avoid flowers and instead opt for a charitable donation in honour of their loved ones.

For expertly designed and delivered funeral flowers in Liverpool, you can trust Dovedale Florist. It has received excellent customer reviews for its beautiful flower arrangements, understanding staff, and prompt delivery service.

Create a Memorial Centrepiece

If you are organising a memorial, one way to pay your respects is to create a

centerpiece for each table. Choose flowers that were the deceased person’s favorites for a heartfelt display. You can also add a few photos of the departed person in their favorite frame to each tablescape for a more personal touch.

Memorials are a wonderful way to remember a loved one who has passed away in Liverpool. There are many ways you can establish a memorial, from interring ashes at Colonnade Wall at Anfield to dedicating a tree or bench in their name.

If you are arranging a memorial service, consider creating a special memory box for guests to share their memories with the family. This is an easy project that can be completed in a few steps. Simply take a cardboard box, wrap it in pretty paper, and cut a slot at the top to drop cards into. You can include pens and note cards with each box to make it easy for people to write their memories.

Send a Sympathy Gift Basket

As an alternative to Sympathy flowers, a gift basket can be a thoughtful way to send condolences. These food gifts include a variety of treats for snacking and can be delivered to the family in their home or at a funeral service. They are also a good option for a friend who may be struggling due to other reasons such as the loss of a job, a breakup or an illness.

If you are sending a gift to a loved one in hospital, be sure to check with the facility first as many hospitals have restrictions on gifts for patients. However, a basket with fruit and snacks can be an excellent comfort to them and will help them get through this difficult time.

Alternatively, you could choose to send a care and concern basket with sweet and savoury treats that are packed in a reusable wicker basket. This includes a book of comforts, Signature Beef Summer Sausage, Garlic & Herb Flatbread, Olive Tapenade, Butter Toffee Pretzels and tea.

[therandomfics]

Three Days: 3

The morning of your father’s funeral couldn’t have been more stereotypical. While the days before had been sunny and clear, that morning you woke up to the sound of rain tapping against the window of your childhood bedroom. 

Sonny was already awake, having showered and dressed, and was downstairs helping keep things coordinated and controlled. You could hear his voice down the stairs through gritted teeth begging your nephews to sit still for just a moment so he could turn on the television and get them something to eat while everyone else was getting ready. 

After a long shower filled with contemplation, you dressed in a sleek black pantsuit and clasped your favorite strand of pearls around your neck. Your hair dried naturally into a frizz of curls which you pinned back but didn’t smooth - the rain wouldn’t allow for any such thing, anyway, and your father had always loved your “crazy hair” as he put it. 

Downstairs, you found Sonny eating drinking coffee and staring out of the kitchen window. Your nephews were indulging in cartoons and your brother and sister in law were in the living room fussing over what tie the nephews should wear. 

“Good morning Prince Charming,” you whispered as you brushed past Sonny, pausing only to press a kiss to the top of his head. “We have to leave in about ten minutes.” 

He grasped onto your wrist as you moved past him and pulled you back towards him, planting you in his lap. “I already made you coffee and there’s toast in the oven.” 

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you kissed him tenderly several times and then pulled away sighing. “When this is all over, can we go away?” 

“Just say where.” He squeezed you gently and nuzzled his face against your neck. 

“Anywhere but here. You know I was happy to leave here. I don’t like being back too much,” you admitted and wriggled away from him so that you could put something in your stomach before the funeral. 

You shook your head silently to yourself as you sipped your coffee and nibbled at the toast that had been waiting for you, warm in the oven. The dread was settling in - and while you knew the grief would be there for ages to follow, you held steadfast to the idea that something was going to go wrong at the funeral home. 

“We gather here today to celebrate a life of love, laughter, happiness, and dedication....” 

“He was known for his character - he could make you laugh anytime, anywhere. We could surely use something like that here with us today.” 

“I met him when I was just 10, and he was 9....” 

The stories went on for sometime as you sat in the family room, tucked under Sonny’s arm and softly sobbing each time you thought you’d gotten a grasp on your emotions for the moment. 

“The faithful departed will always be in our hearts and minds. I was thankful to meet this kind, gracious man because of his daughter, Y/N, who as you all probably know was my best friend for the longest time...” 

You sat upright and stiffened, your body entirely rigid at the familiar voice sharing a story about your father. It couldn’t be, there was no way. 

“I spent so much time with the family that I felt like I was part of it, and he never let me feel any different. Even after Y/N moved away unexpectedly, I spent so much time at their home. He truly felt like he was my father, too,” he continued. 

You could have sworn that even though you were hidden from view, he was looking directly at you. 

Rising from your seat, you grabbed your clutch and walked out - out of the family room, down the hall, and out of the funeral home. It was still raining and you hurried through puddles and raindrops to get to the safety of the smoker’s cove, finally slowing to a stop once you were under the awning. Sonny hadn’t followed you, probably stuck with one of your nephews begging to play with his phone or to wear his watch, like they loved to do anytime someone “new” was around.

“Look at you.” Puddles splashing caught your attention as you turned to find your former best friend, Connor, standing in front of you with his hands in his pockets. 

“My father would appreciate you being here,” you replied, attempting to remain casual. 

“He would have appreciated you staying here instead of running away,” he replied smugly, a smirk pulling at his lips. 

You took a step back and folded your arms. “That wasn’t gonna happen and you know it.” 

Connor let out a small laugh and stepped towards you, careful to leave enough space to seem harmless. “You overreacted. You’re good at that, y’know? Overreacting, that is. Never were too good at holding your liquor, but I guess you remember all about that, don’t you?” 

“Look,” you began, holding a hand up to silence him and figuratively stop him from moving foward again. “I’ve come to terms with what happened that night. I know it was fucked up and -” 

“Yeah it was pretty fucked up how you just left after you finally acted on your feelings. You ran away.” 

You narrowed your eyes at him and scowled. “I never acted on anything. Clearly you don’t remember what happened like I remember.” 

From behind, you heard a door slam but the rain had begun to fall harder and silenced anything beyond the seconds of noise you were able to distinguish. 

“You had a few too many drinks and we had sex. You woke up the next morning and freaked out like a child, and I never saw you again. I found out a week later you’d moved.” He rolled his eyes dismissively and reached into his suit pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes, one of which he promptly lit. 

“Did you hear yourself? I was drunk, and when I woke up I had no recollection of the night before. Instead of owning what you did and admitting you were a disgusting predator, you told everyone I confessed my love for you and then I got cold feet. Text message after text message and DM after DM, I was being harassed by those girls you led on for so long, and I can’t tell you how many times I freaked out and got tested for STDs because of you. But you think it was consensual? You think it was okay? Did you never wonder why I left you without saying a word and moved out of the state?!” You were screaming by the time you stopped speaking, shaking and nauseous as your former best friend turned assailant stood before you with little to no remorse. 

“You’re saying I raped you?” he asked, brow arched with a hollow laugh. “You were begging me.” 

“Begging you to stop,” you interjected with a hiss. 

“And then you ran off to New York to become a whore.” 

“Fuck you!” you bellowed, launching yourself forward to strike Connor in the face repeatedly. It didn’t take him long to shove you backwards and onto the cold cement you’d been standing on only moments before. 

You landed with a thud and watched at Connor turned to walk away - but before he knew what happened, Sonny had connected his fist with Connor’s jaw in a manner that left your former best friend lying on the cement near you. 

Quickly, Sonny pulled you to your feet and brushed you off, making sure that you were okay. 

“I’m fine,” you lied, looking down at Connor who’s lip was bleeding as he tried to sit up defiantly. 

“Hey, I wouldn’t be getting up if I were you,” Sonny snapped, looking sternly at the man who was sitting on the ground. “Mass has a fifteen year statute of limitations. I’d do whatever I could not to make it worse right now.” 

“Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, glaring up at Sonny. 

“Dominick Carisi Jr, Manhattan ADA,” he replied with a roll of his eyes. Sonny pulled you closer and kept a protective hold on you. “And this is my wife, but I think you’ve met.” 

“Fuck,” Connor grumbled under his breath and let his shoulders slump in defeat. “Well go ahead, what are you gonna do? Arrest me?” 

“I’m not a Detective anymore, but I’m sure I can make some calls.” Sonny turned to you and cupped your face in his hand. “Lets get you inside, alright? I need to make some calls and the family is about to leave for the graveside. We just have to get through a few more hours and we’re free, babe, alright?” 

You nodded slowly and glanced at Connor on the ground. If you went back inside, he could leave and never be heard from again. That’s how you had wanted to live your life. But, now Sonny knew what had happened, and Sonny wasn’t going to let it rest until he was brought to justice. Torn between fear and comfort, you tucked your clutch under your arm and dashed back towards the funeral home, slipping back inside to join the family. Sonny had his hands full, but you knew that was his true calling. 

The ride back to New York was quiet. Eerily quiet. Sonny had worked with victims for years and had a particular knack when it came to helping people in times of sorrow and trouble. You wondered, though, if it was different because you were his wife. Maybe it was different because you’d buried your father and experienced an outcry in the same day. Still, there was very little you had to say and feigned sleeping for the first hour of the trip just to give yourself a break. 

“Hey doll...” Sonny whispered, placing his hand on your knee tenderly. “I’m gonna stop to fill up the car. Do you want anything?” 

You shrugged with as much sleepiness as you could fake and shuffled in your seat so that you could sit up. “I’m alright. We’ll be home in a few hours.” 

“I’m taking some time off of work,” he added casually before he got out of the car and locked you in. 

A few minutes later he returned and filled the car up with fuel, then rejoined you inside and started the engine. 

“I got you a water,” he said, handing you a bag that also contained a variety of snacks. “And stuff.” 

A whisper of a laugh left your lips and you sighed. “Are things ok?” 

“What things?” he inquired. 

“Us.” 

“Why wouldn’t they be, Y/N?” he asked, merging back onto the highway and accelerating. 

“I never wanted you to know.” You twisted your wedding ring around your finger absently and fought back the urge to cry, despite how painful it was for you. 

He nodded absently and stayed silent for a long moment, glancing in his mirrors as he tried to find the right words to say. 

“I’m sorry,” you muttered and averted your gaze out of your passenger window. 

“Please don’t say you’re sorry. Please don’t think that this changes anything between us. If you feel like you’re damaged goods or you’re broken, you’re not. And I love you, no matter what. I don’t love you any less knowing the troubles you endured and kept to yourself. In fact I love you more because you’re so strong. You turned your pain into prosperity. You let yourself be loved, and you let yourself love, too. That’s something that I think is really hard for anyone who’s been through something like you’ve been through. I’m sorry that he exists and that he did such a criminal thing to you, but I promise you I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure he rots for it. But, Y/N, I swear on everything, I’ll never stop loving you and I’ll never look at you different, and I’ll never be mad at you because you chose to keep something so private and difficult to yourself.” He glanced over at you and frowned when he saw your eyes welling with tears and spilling over. 

“I don’t deserve you,” you choked out through sobs, covering your mouth and finally allowing yourself to cry without barriers. 

Sonny signaled and pulled off onto the emergency shoulder of the highway, putting the hazards on and placing the car in park. He unbuckled his seat belt and practically climbed over the center console to envelope you into his arms, protective and loving as he had been from day one. “You do, and I deserve you. Remember what you said? We’re meant to be together.” 

“Please don’t ever leave me,” you whined, pulling at his shirt to bring yourself closer. “Please.” What he heard, and what you didn’t say were the same - please don’t see me any differently, please don’t make me find your love again, please keep me. 

“I wouldn’t have anyone but you by my side,” he promised and kissed your forehead softly. “We’ve only got a little while left and then we’re home, alright? Let’s order takeout and eat on the balcony, okay? I promise you I’m not going anywhere.” 

“Okay,” you said with a sniffling nod. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to get back to normalcy with you.” 

_______