The funeral was a small affair on a hill, surrounded by thick forest and lilac groves. There was no preacher or holy man present, but I suppose it was what he would have wanted, given his views of the Church. There was an abundance of empty chairs, although it was foolish of me to believe that his family would show up. I had sent them a letter shortly after I got the news, although it was wishful thinking as they probably threw away every letter they got from me. It filled me with anger knowing that my entire extended family had shown up, all of who loved my Benjamin as a son, and yet the chairs reserved for his family were empty save his older sister and one of our high school friends. And of course his parents weren’t here, the selfish, ignorant bastards.

I stifled a sob, and wiped a tear from my muzzle. My mother reached over and put her arms around me, squeezing me tightly and rubbing her muzzle against mine. “Whenever you’re ready, Frederick, honey”, she whispered into my ear, and gestured towards the podium. I wiped away another tear and rose from my seat, walking slowly to the podium next to the casket. I paused for a moment and stared at the circular wreath that held his picture. If only I could see him, I thought, just one more time. Suddenly it felt like I had been punched in the chest, and reached out, winded, to grasp the podium for support. I felt more tears coming but I forced them down, and steeled myself. I can’t break down, I thought, not here, not now. There will be a time for that, but this is about honoring a life, not mourning a death. I took a deep breath. “We are here today, amidst these beautiful trees atop this magnificent hill to honor the life of someone we all know and love. Your brother, best friend, son-in-law”. I looked back at the casket, then quickly away, steeling myself. I continued in a choked, wavering voice. “My boyfriend”.

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Author guidance for This story

DISCLAIMER: MATURE DOES NOT MEAN THE STORY CONTAINS SEX. I USED TWO SWEARS. TWO!!!

This story has slight furry overtones, so if that really puts you off, don't read it.

Ok, now for the important things.
Characters:

Frederick Hall - The protagonist, deeply depressed by his lover's untimely death, though he cheers up some when meeting with old friends throughout the story.

Benjamin Lydon - Frederick's now deceased lover. They shared a loving, deep relationship stemming from their junior year in high school before Ben was shot near their apartment in NYC. He (was) a successful author.

Arthur Lydon - Ben's controlling, harsh Catholic father. Not much is known about him, except for the fact that he has a deep hatred of Frederick for, as he puts it, "turning his only son into a goddam faggot".

Lydia Lydon - Ben's quiet, obedient mother. She has come to accept the fact that Ben is gay, and is deeply saddened to find out about her son's death. She has also taken a liking to Frederick, although she is kept under control by Arthur and never truly gets to tell anyone. She finally stands up for herself when Frederick shows up at their door to tell them in person of their son's passing.

(Father) Michael Holloway - The priest at the UCC church in Orwell (Frederick and Benjamin's hometown), Father Holloway helped Freddie through most of the difficult times in his life. He also has a certain fondness for Benjamin, and takes pride in the fact that he was the first and only man of cloth to influence Ben's life. Ben was also mutually fond of him, in the short time they knew each other.

updated Jul 1 '10 by DandyLion