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  This author's e-mail address has changed to: xanaduxf@yahoo.com
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***DISCLAIMER***: All "X-Files" elements and references
in this story belong to Fox Broadcasting, Chris Carter,
and 1013 Productions, and I am making no money from it.

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Goodbye
by shannono
shannono@iname.com


Vignette, Angst, Mulder first person

Rated PG

Summary: A man attends a funeral.

Comments: (See bottom of story)

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Goodbye
by shannono


She wasn't supposed to die yet.

She was getting better. She *had* gotten better.

So why am I standing at her graveside now?

The days had been bright and sunny for the past few
weeks. Today, though, the sky is grey, threatening rain.
I am not surprised. Even the weather is in mourning with
me.

She and I hadn't always had an easy relationship. We
had our misunderstandings, our fights, our problems.
But under it all was a bond we could never deny.

She loved me. I loved her.

I still love her.

I hope she knows that.

I shift, restlessly, as the unfamiliar priest drones on,
reading something appropriately somber. "Ashes to
ashes, dust to dust ..."

I feel the guilt, the pain rising up in me, and I begin
to tremble.

Suddenly, I feel a small hand fall upon my arm, and
I look down into the clear blue eyes of the strong
woman beside me. A soft smile reassures me, giving
me strength, as she has done for me before.

I lift my eyes back to the casket as the priest finishes.
I step forward and place a single pale pink rose on the
polished wood, then drag my hand along the edge, as a
single tear escapes my eye and slides down my cheek.

Finally, I speak, softly.

"Goodbye, Mom."

==========END==========


COMMENTS: Okay, this was my answer to the "Mulder at
his mom's funeral" challenge. I had to put this at the
bottom because of the style, although I realize most 
of you probably figured out whose funeral it was. Hope