Death is Serious Business

"Is the chicken broth too hot for Palo?" My brother-in-law asked while feeding his 2 year old child Ben with great care and precaution. He was asking the right question, the broth was indeed too hot for a child and for a dying elderly. "If it is so, just let it cool down for a bit before you feed him."

"Alright, for the meantime I will wash the used dishes." I said as I stood up after eating lunch. My sisters are still eating at the moment and I wouldn't want them to hassle themselves at this time. They were the usual caretakers of Palo and my responsibilities are mostly composed of getting necessities such as securing drinking water and water used for other purposes.

If you ask me, I don't really like Palo that much. There are reasons such as his pettiness and his addiction to cigarettes. On one certain day, I was running errands but I was held up because Palo asked me to buy him his daily dose of smoke. It wasn't such a big problem since it wasn't the first time he told me to get him some cigs, but at this particular time I was about to procure food for lunch. I told him that I'll do his bidding after I was done with my errands. So I ignored his beckons and came back carrying lunch for everyone, I noticed Palo was grumpy but I still had to do what I promised and asked him for cash to get him his coffin nails. It was at this moment that he blurted out profanities, about how I was uncaring for elderly and how I couldn't even do one simple request. Ever since then, I usually avoided making eye contact with him and our relationship turned cold.

"I'm done washing these dishes. Evelyn, once you finish eating with your sister, you wash your plates yourselves. I'm heading out." I informed my sisters of this simple request and I wanted fresh air outside. The only problem is that these little sisters of mine never actually do as I ask.

"How about no? You should finish what you say you do." Kimberly said adamantly then sipped some soup while staring at me with her fish eyes. "We washed the dishes from breakfast, so it's only right that you do lunch." Evelyn added.

At this point, these usual responses are what I am used to. Do I just do as they say? "No. I am done! This is your job now!" I stomped as I walked out of the house. "I'm coming back later. If you don't finish that, then it's not my problem."

"!@#!@#!@#!@!@#!" They said some things that I couldn't hear and I do not have any plans to let them clarify what they said. With that being said, I can only get as far as a few meters, the recent pandemic has rendered us home stuck but it's a lot better than staying cooped up inside. I'll just watch my neighbors play some online games until I am needed at home.

A few hours went by so fast in just a couple of blinks. A short game here and a few snacks there, then came the time that I have to get back home to perhaps refill the water necessities and the like, get some cigs for Palo as well. Though instead of the usual chaotic sisters that greets me, I was greeted by eerie silence and teary eyes.

"Where were you!?!?" That is what I heard as I looked at my older sister's round face. "Palo called every one of his children and grandchildren. And the reason as to why, it's too sad to say." My older sister Eching continued with a pale complexion and wet, swollen and red eyes that indicates she has been crying her eyes out.

"I was just over at Jame's house. He played some D0TA 2 while I watched. Did something happen to Palo?" I asked even though I know something bad indeed happened. I walked over to his room and saw my brother-in-law, my older sister Eching's husband whose name is Ramil, crouched in the corner and had a livid face. Tears were present in his eyes and anger was held within his clutching hands. I then moved my sights to the oddly neatly positioned elderly on the bed. He was wrapped in a checkered blanket and was stiff almost to the point of lifelessness.

"You're late. Everyone else was here with him in his last moments except for you." Ramil coldly stated to me. "Where were you?" He added but the tone in this statement was more grievous than resentful. "He was waiting for you, yet you didn't show up."

At this moment of silence. It was pretty obvious as to what happened. Ramil's statements, the oddly clean room, and the absence of incessant coughing. I want to deny the ghastly thoughts that invade my head. The morbid outcome from observing the faces of my siblings and the peaceful elderly is just dreadful and I don't want any of it.

"Don't tell me. You don't have to tell me." I said as my eyes were drenched. I pursed my lips and breathed deeply. I have to accept the reality of the situation. My grandfather has passed and I was not here during his dying breaths. "I am a worthless grandson." My face contorted due to the sadness. I could not handle the emotions within me. I clutched my hands that were still holding onto the cigarettes that I bought for him before coming back home. My legs eventually gave out, rendering me bawling my eyes out on the floor.

This dreadful news has left me listless just like Ramil in the corner. What am I supposed to do? It's not like I can turn back time to get here on time. I, I just… I just didn't expect Palo to suddenly, just, suddenly pass.

"Eching, give me my phone." Ramil said with worry written all over his face. He has to inform the relatives from other provinces, and probably going to ask for financial assistance for the funeral rights. "I'm calling everyone that I think should know."

I went to bed in the common room, where my younger sisters and I sleep. I couldn't bear to hear adults arguing over responsibility and cash liabilities when Palo just died. I'll just ignore the outrage that is soon to come from the calls of the cold voices from the other side of the phone that's on speaker mode.

As I woke up, I was greeted by a gloomy and rainy outdoors. I recalled what happened the night before and the wet rain feeling is the worst combination imaginable at this moment. My stomach grumbles, I forgot that I went straight to bed without even eating dinner. I got up and had breakfast, just a couple of salted bread and a hot semi-chocolate drink. The bread was as stale as dirt, it felt like they used rock salt instead of fine iodized ones and there isn't even enough of it. The atmosphere around me, the silence during these few hours before dusk used to be peaceful but now it's just suffocating.

Being alone with my thoughts is hard. I know that Ramil is taking this harder since he has to think about the financial stuff and I'm still a child. I wonder how Palo is doing, I'll sneak a peek inside his room. Treading carefully with a light foot, I reached his door and found it unlocked. I opened the door slowly.

Creeeeeeaaak~

The creaking of the door joints! They felt like they were as loud as roaring engines in this silent solace. I looked back to see the faces of my still sleeping little sisters. They were still sound asleep, it looks like they had a hard time sleeping last night since their eyelids are swollen red. I looked towards my older sibling's room but it seems there is no reaction from them either. I wouldn't want anyone to know that I sneaked inside a dead person's room.

I went inside the room and my face immediately distorted from the foul stench that came rushing to my nose. It smelled like old socks that have been in the hamper for weeks but this one is worse as instead of a small sock, it's a bean bag. A bean bag that's been drenched in sewer water. I couldn't help thinking of such disgusting thoughts as the stench that came from my late grandfather was too rancid.

I faced Palo's corpse and slowly said the words that I couldn't say to last time. "Forgive me Palo. Forgive me." The tears from last night weren't enough it seems. "Palo, I got your cigarettes for you. So please forgive me." The sadness that was stalled came crashing down and so did I. My legs went limp and I was seated on the floor like last night again.

Tap tap tap

I heard the knocking on the front door loud and clear. It was the sound that woke me up from wallowing in grief. I had teary eyes and a very ugly complexion but I went to the front door to deal with the oddly early visitor. "Who is it?" I asked with a cracked voice that clearly shows my emotional state.

"It's your Aunt Christy. Open the door." The familiar voice of my Aunt-in-law is what I heard from the other side of the door. "Hurry up, the rain isn't the best thing to stand outside in." She added with an irritated voice.

I opened the door and saw her drenched and very likely annoyed by the weather. As she stepped inside with shoes dripping a good amount of water everywhere she treads. With heavy steps and a tired gait she continued to walk towards the bathroom.

"Aunty Chisty, you have heard the news?" I asked the obvious. Looking closely, her wet face doesn't seem like it's just due to rainwater but there were some tears mixed in. "Did kuya Ramil tell you last night?"

Putting her shoulder-bag in place, she sighed and took a deep breath. "Yes, and I am here to tell your brother some details regarding how Palo should rest." She said without a break. Though it seems she is tired from travelling very early before dawn. "I had to ride a bus since the viral outbreak messed up all of the transportation services. Let me catch my breath first and freshen up in the bathroom then you can wake your brother up."

"Can I get you something warm to drink? Though there's only instant coffee here, or perhaps you'd like some Milo?" I went to the common room, where my younger sisters and I sleep and where the kitchen also is. She ignored my question so I'm going to guess that she would like coffee instead of a child's drink.

After quite a while, I woke Ramil up from his slumber and informed him of our Aunt's arrival. He wasn't surprised and got up from his bed instantly. He then walked towards the common room where our Aunt was peacefully drinking her fill of instant coffee.

"Ya, what do we do with the funeral expenses?" Ramil asked with worry. It is only right that he is worried of the cost of funeral services since we are a poor family. "We don't have any money on-hand and Palo is surely going to be tested for COVID before he gets to be buried."

Aunt Christy sipped her coffee one last time before opening her mouth to speak. "I have to tell you about Papa's wishes. He doesn't want to be embalmed, that wish also includes his organs to not be removed before burial."

"But wouldn't that mean we can't hold a wake? Would Palo be buried instead?" Ramil asked. "Or will he be cremated instead?" Cremation is a good idea if Palo insists on not being embalmed, a dead body's stench is too rancid if it doesn't get preservatives. So at least we can hold a wake with his ashes instead of his rotting corpse.

"Ramil." Aunt Christy said with a flat tone. "Can you search the drawers in your room? I have left some receipts that are very necessary at this moment." She continued. This house we are staying in used to be Aunt Christy's house but she recently moved out to a new one, so she gave us the rights to use this house instead.

Ramil went into his room and rummaged through all sorts of folders, envelopes and documents to look for the said receipts. Ate Eching woke up due to the commotion but immediately went back to sleep. After a few minutes of scrounging through old and dusty stuff, with Aunt Christy looking through the stuff Ramil pulls out, they didn't manage to find what she was looking for. What we found instead were documents that are obsolete and books that are relatively okay since they're covered in plastic cellophane.

"We need to find those receipts. Truth be told, I knew years before that Papa's health is going to deteriorate since he wasn't willing to stop his smoking habit even after medication." Aunt Christy said with a straight face. "I already paid for his funeral services years in advance, but I need those receipts stating that I paid for the services in my name. I already called them last night through an agent but they insist on seeing a receipt."

Ramil nodded his head and continued to rummage through the envelopes and look in between files. It was a tense moment, and I needed something to distract myself so I went and grabbed a book. These books are, well, they look boring.

I looked through each and every book cover and judged which one I should be messing with. A few moments is all it took for me to decide to just pick a random book since they all look boring. I stacked the remaining books and decided to read it. I am not a literature guy and this is pretty boring. I decided to show this book to my still sleeping younger sisters via hitting their head with it.

I got up from sitting down on the floor and walked towards the common room. Only to hit the stack of books with my foot. I didn't trip thankfully, but the books were a mess. There's a page sticking out of one of the books.

I reached out and opened the page only for me to see it wasn't a page at all but a separate piece of paper. It says on its header that it was from a company called Saint Paul. I can't say for certain that this is what Aunt Christy is looking for but "Aunt Christy, is this the receipt?" – I asked anyways.

She received the document and scanned through it. She soon sighed with relief, it seems like it is the receipt she was looking for. I was about to head out of the room when "I paid for the services in installments for years. I must have paid at least three thousand dollars in total, it should be enough for cremation and a couple of flowers." I heard Aunt Christy say that she has decided to cremate Palo.

A few hours later, after I fetched water enough for half of our daily consumption and it was the right time for offices to be half-filled with workers, Aunt Christy called the funeral services company. I couldn't make heads or tails of the conversation as it was in English (a foreign language) and I can't even make a coherent sentence without making a mistake. But it didn't seem like a favorable conversation as Aunt Christy looked furious and she ended the call after a few moments.

"Ramil!" Aunt Christy called out, "They won't cremate Papa if he doesn't get a proper COVID swab test." she continued. "The thing is that Papa has tuberculosis, Papa will get a false positive if he gets tested and due to that everyone will have to be tested as well since Papa stayed here."

Ramil nodded his head at that statement. "They really won't allow Palo to be cremated?" He asked bemusedly. "Palo isn't infected with the virus since none of us has experienced any of the symptoms and Palo has been isolated since 2 months ago."

"It's not that they can't cremate Papa, but the cremation procedures give priority to the infected ones and reservation could take a week before Papa could get cremated if we push for it." Aunt Christy said.

"Can't we just wait for a week then?" I interjected. Instead of them considering my suggestion, Aunt Christy just sighed and looked sad. "Why? We can't for Palo's turn to be cremated?" I added.

"Papa can't last that long if he isn't embalmed." Aunt Christy said. "He was adamant about not getting preservatives in his body." She added. She then sat down on the cold hard floor and held her head. "This is too much. I asked the funeral services if the payment I paid for includes being able to use their human refrigerator. They said no and that it's a hundred dollar per day of usage. If we wait that long, we need to pay five hundred dollars minimum."

There it is again. The paywall. Life is problematic if you're short on cash. The world is even crueler to people that don't have a house to live in during these trying times caused by the pandemic. It really makes everything else seem pathetic since we are living everyday tooth and nail.

"Can't we just let Palo take the swab test?" Ramil asked after thinking for a few moments. "If he indeed gets a false positive result due to tuberculosis, won't he get in the priority list of cremation? Though we need to take a test as well, we shouldn't be positive right?"

It was a good idea. Taking advantage of the situation to lessen our financial burden is always a nice thing to do. Looking at Aunt Christy's face, she had a smile on her face but it seemed like it was a smile of giving up.

"We can't." Those are the two words that she had as a reply to Ramil's suggestion.

"Why can't we?" Ramil immediately replied. "It should be pretty straight-forwards and Palo gets his wish granted. Isn't it a win-win?" Ramil said with conviction. He looks confused as to why Aunt Christy said that we couldn't.

It's only early morning but the number of times Aunt Christy sighed is astronomical. "If we get tested, it for sure is going to come out positive." She dropped a bomb like statement. "It's one of the reasons why our city is the one with the most number of positive cases."

Her statement didn't make any sense. She didn't give any reasons but she said she did, this was a confusing conversation so "It doesn't make sense. Why would we be positive for COVID?" I asked her without stuttering.

Another sigh came out of her mouth. "The local government is damned. Did you know for every positive case tested, the local government gets a financial support of a thousand dollars?" She said with a look of disappointment. "So if we do get tested, all 7 of us, and the results come out positive. The local government gets an extra 7 grand. That budget that is supposedly for us, they wouldn't be for us."

"It would fall to their pockets." Ramil continued her statement. "These damned corrupt bastards!" He hit a wooden wall with his fist and it gave a crisp sound. "If they do it like this, won't the ones that are falsely accused of being positive be put in a facility with real positive patients?"

That is extremely cruel. They're making money out of the misery of people. This greed would only expedite the problem and if this continues, this city would be done for. Those assholes fanning the flames can just take the money and leave, leaving behind the ones stuck in this soon infested city, leaving me and my family behind.

"This is really pathetic. They are blatantly doing these vile actions without any repercussions. The pandemic is extending their office terms and whatever the hell they're doing right now is just them taking whatever they can." Ramil stated after looking blank for a few moments. He had a worried look on his face. "But we can't really think about that right now. Our problem is what can we do for Palo at this moment?"

"There is one last option available for us." Aunt Christy said with a dispirited voice. She looked at the both of us and asked. "Will you let Papa be buried today? I think that's the only option for us if either cremation or embalming is out of the question." Oddly enough, she said this with a firm and determined voice.

Our viable options are limited due to situational reasons. But is there really no way to mourn for Palo's death? Is the only option to say farewell in a quick and clean manner? I guess this is just how the way the world works, money is a privilege after all.

"Okay. As long as Palo can rest easy. We can mourn his death later when he is at peace." Ramil said while wiping his tears. His face now contains energy and the traces of mourning are fading. "Let's bury Palo today no matter what."

This is a decision that should be discussed thoroughly with everyone but they made the decision quickly by themselves. And it seems like they're going to act on it right this instant. Ramil went to take a bath and Aunt Christy continued her makeshift breakfast with her coffee now turned cold.

A few minutes later, Ramil finished taking his bath and proceeded to change. He then changed to his casual clothing. A plain white shirt and checkered shorts, he did not prepare socks so I'm going to assume he's going to either wear sandals or just flip-flops. He took a few seconds to look for his motorcycle keys.

On the other hand, Aunt Christy opened her shoulder-bag to grab her phone. She then dialed a number that I presume would be the funeral services'. While her phone was ringing, she looked for something in her shoulder-bag once again and pulled out a powder compact. She proceeded to powder her face with it while talking on the phone that she put on the table since she had it on speaker mode.

They were getting ready to head outside of the house. At this time, my younger sisters woke up and started to prepare a proper breakfast. Nothing fancy, just a couple of fried eggs and cups of rice. After quite some time, they all had breakfast and that includes Ate Eching. I continued my tasks before eating the leftovers that were clearly not enough but will have to do.

"We are heading out. Evelyn, Kimberly, you two are to stay inside the house." Ramil said to them. He then looked at me and just shook his head. "I suggest you guys let the house air out. It's going to smell much worse later and it'll be hard to remove the stench." He didn't address that statement to me but to my little sisters.

He has been cold to me since long ago. Not because we can't but it is because I am a disappointment in this household. It has been this way for quite a while and I think my absence last night was the final straw for him to totally ignore me. They then went outside in the falling rain, wearing raincoats that I wasn't even able to borrow to procure water.

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The strong wind slapping at my face and raindrops that wet my uncovered skin creates is a very cold combination. My raincoat flutters and different sceneries play through my vision in quick succession. The engine roared as I clutched the throttle, speeding through the road and crossing yellow lines. There is barely any traffic and checkpoints are nowhere to be seen.

The city feels like a ghost town and it reminds me of post-apocalyptic movies. As we approach a usually busy intersection, I remember the faces that I constantly encounter there. They were street vendors with bright smiles, they sold fruits and on-the-road necessities. They usually do transactions during red lights and are very bright people. When we reached the intersection, I slowed down and found myself looking for their silhouettes. They were nowhere to be found, the bright smiles that I see from their faces were what I was looking forward to seeing. That is because I know that at the end of each day, their smiles turn to sighs as they go home.

They remember their homes are filled with misery. They live each day as if it's their last, and that is not putting it in an exciting way. The budget they have is only enough for 2 or 3 days worth of their family necessities. Medicine, food, bills and miscellaneous needs, these burn through the profits and ultimately puts their networth back to where it was before the day started. Their business is structured in a way that if the business dies, they die along with it.

"Why did we stop?" I heard a voice from my back. It was my Aunt's voice that carried confusion. "Is there a problem?"

"No, there isn't. I was just thinking about something." I replied as I turned my head to look at her. "There isn't a problem at all." I gave a smile to mask my worries. Still, I wonder how they are doing. My mind wandered too much, I didn't even notice we came to a full stop.

During this downtime, I signaled for other motorists and asked if there were any checkpoints ahead. Due to Enhanced Community Quarantine, motorcycle back riding is banned, even family members aren't allowed to give rides to each other. They also banned gatherings such as religious masses and all festivities. Now this may seem like a great inhibition of activity to flatten the curve if not for the fact that the political figures themselves do not follow these inhibitions.

After a few fellow riders passed, I finally was given some advice. Turns out that there indeed is a checkpoint ahead. Good thing I can think of a route that totally avoids those cheeky narcs. They chose to hide themselves in a blindspot caused by an alley and a very large building.

With drenched arms and literal cold feet, we finally arrived at our destination.

"It's a good thing you decided to stop. We got through safely without getting caught." Aunt Christy said with a complicated face. What we did was illegal so I get why she has mixed feelings about it.

"Let's get inside. Being outside in this rain isn't exactly the best atmosphere for a conversation." I pointed towards the glass doors. "You go ahead first. I'll have to park first."

She responded with a nod and went inside. I went to the back side of the building and found the parking lot. I saw a sign that says "Parking Fee 1 dollar per hour." The thing is that there is no one manning the parking lot so I am guessing parking is free.

I immediately went inside the building after parking, wore a face mask, and saw my aunt talking to the receptionist. In her right hand was the receipt Justin found earlier. It looked like they were going to take a while so I decided to take a seat at the waiting area. Sitting down, I observed how oddly white the walls were. The place looks run-down on the outside but the inside looks very clean. I continued looking around and saw the other workers walking around, they seemed very busy with a lot of paperwork within their grasps. I also saw other, hmmm, customers, I guess?

Some of them were talking to receptionists on awkward long tables clearly indicating that this place is getting a lot more clients than expected. They're also surprisingly concise on their work and keep a distance from clients. Though it is odd that there were hardly any vehicles in the parking area.

'17,000 donated dressed chickens nowhere to be found' Is the headline I saw on television news that was placed overhead of the receptionist. A news anchor was talking but there was no sound coming out of the television.

"For the last time Ma'am, we can't allow a burial unless you give us a death certificate." I heard the receptionist that was with my Aunt. "You just have to contact the National Statistics office. You said you already informed your local government so it should be pretty simple."

"Then where is the nearest office for National Statistics?" Aunt Christy hurriedly asked with eyes that seem to threaten the receptionist.

"It's right next door Ma'am." He gestured with his hand which was skewed to the left. "It's the building at the left from the front's perspective, it is a blue building with a very large placard in print 'National Statistics'. Goodness me, how could you miss it. You should get going now. As busy things are here, you can expect the same over there." The receptionist said with his crescent shaped eyes.

"You should have said so earlier." Aunt Christy was annoyed. "We are out of here."

She went outside and I followed. I took one last glance at the receptionist and he still sat there with his creepy smile and mocking eyes. I looked forward to where we were heading and he was right, how could we miss such a very big signage that screamed 'National Statistics'.

Getting inside, this building is also very white but there were blue stripes at striking locations. The building seems pretty populated even though social distancing was mandated. Every other seat is vacated for social distancing purposes but I don't think that's enough distance to be safe.

Surprisingly enough, there was no line. That is good news for us so that we can get out of here and finish all of this within the day. Things went pretty smoothly and the receptionist informed us of what we were to do.

"Alright, all the credentials seem to be in order. I just need to input this in the database. Please take a seat in the lounge area and we shall call for you in a few minutes." She said as she arranged the documents and banged the bottom part with the table to line them all together. "All I need from you now is the 10 dollar service fee. Please head to the counter with this receipt."

"Okay, thank you." Aunt Christy said as she pulled her wallet and paid the sum. "Let's wait here for a bit." She said as she looked at me. She then proceeded to take a seat in the corner of the lounge area.

I followed her steps and took a seat as well. "Aunt Christy, fix your facemask placement." Seeing her wearing her mask on her chin instead of her oral and nasal cavities, I informed her that she should put it on properly.

After a dozen or so minutes, we heard one of the receptionists calling for us. She hailed for us to come over.

"Please, take a seat." She offered us the seats in formality. "The death certificate for Roger Abarquez should be finished by noon."

"Okay. Though I have one request, is that alright for you Miss?" Aunt Christy asked politely. "Can you please contact Saint Paul to verify that the death certificate is on the way. They won't let us proceed with the talks if we can't provide a certificate."

"That can be done Ma'am." The receptionist replied with a smile. "Please wait for a moment." She said as she lifted a landline phone receiver. "Hello. This is the National Statistics Office next door. I am calling to inform you that a death certificate for Mr. Roger Abarquez is on the way. My client here requests that you proceed with the procedures. Uh huh. Ok. Ok. Thank you, have a great day!"

She put the receiver down and said "You may proceed Ma'am. When you talk to a representative over at Saint Paul, please say that Mr. Poncing called for you. That is all I can do for you, please come back before noon as the certificate should be finished by then."

"Thank you Miss." I said to her as she put her smile back on her face. "You have been such great help to us. Have a nice day."

We then headed to Saint Paul and we did as we were told by the kind receptionist from the other office. We were then brought into a small room. There was a single person in the room and he was working on his desk. He looked towards us and immediately greeted us with a perfect smile.

"Welcome. Please, take a seat." The man said as he adjusted his eyeglasses. "Good morning to the both of you. I am Jose Poncing and it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Mr. Poncing said and gave a light chuckle.

Mr. Poncing is an elderly man with close to no hair and the ones that remained are all gray. He was balding and it's only natural with his age. With his face being full of wrinkles, his bright smile actually was pretty creepy.

Mr. Poncing stopped smiling and turned solemn. "I guess you kids don't know huh." He sighed and turned to look around the room. "Your grandpa and I were the best of friends. Though it is all in the past and we lost that connection. I regret the things I said that day but now that he's gone, I guess I'll never have the chance to fix things."

I don't have the slightest of ideas regarding their past but I think it'd be tactless to ask at this moment. After wiping his eyes with his handkerchief, Mr. Poncing once again presented his bright smile that was still creepy as all hell. Though now that I know of his and Palo's past friendship, that smile just seems ever so sad.

"I digress. You kids sure are unlucky. Saint Paul does not have it in their capacity to hold funeral services. All lights are in use, flowers are all out of stock and hearses are booked until next week." Mr. Poncing rubbed his temples as he said that. "And worst of all, there are no caskets left."

"What!?" Aunt Christy had a furious look on her face. "What do you mean there are no caskets left?! We have left Papa rotting at home for half a day!" She slammed her hand on the wooden table. It looks like she used her whole strength in that slam as her legs trembled after the act.

"I understand your worries, I certainly do. But it won't change the fact that this branch does not have a coffin ready to use at this moment." Mr. Poncing straightened his back but said with a crestfallen tone. "Don't be so upset, I am here to help you. This is all I can do for your late father. My condolences."

Mr. Poncing opened his wallet and searched through quite a number of business cards. He grabbed a Saint Paul calling card and dialed the number he saw in the card on his mobile phone. He was using a nokia keypad phone which is a rarity these days.

"Please, can I have a moment?" His eyes pointed to the door. Aunt Christy and I both nodded and headed just outside of his office. We can hear his muffled conversations from where we stand and we can understand why he wanted us to step outside. He was coercing the person on the line, saying about how he needs a coffin and he should get one as soon as possible. I think the other branch is also troubled with their shortages and that it is only right why the person on the line didn't budge on the forceful request. "How much do you want?" I heard him loud and clear and then I couldn't hear any more.

A few moments later we heard him calling for us from inside the room. It seems they had an under-the-table agreement. Opening the door, we see his smiling face but I know that he is faking it.

"I'll be honest with you both. We're buying a casket separately." He said but then he shook his head. "I'm buying a casket. I alone am footing the bill for it. It shouldn't cost too much so don't worry about it." Mr. Poncing had a solemn smile and he soon took a deep breath.

He is bound to be upset about it. Coffins costs at least a grand and he is doing this without supervision from his superiors. Plus a loss during this pandemic is a very crucial expense for the average household.

"Thank you." Aunt Christy grabbed my left shoulder as she said. "Papa would have been happier if you were with him in his last moments but I am sure he's also thankful for your help."

Mr. Poncing had a conflicted smile on his face. "Follow me." He said as he walked out the door. Once we were outside of his office, he cautioned towards his co-workers that he'd be heading outside for an hour on an errand. He grabbed a set of keys from a wall key holder and headed towards a backdoor.

Once we were outside, he walked towards a white van and motioned to us. "Come on, we don't have much time." He opened the vehicle door and went inside.

Aunt Christy and I followed suit. Once we were seated in the van with Aunt Christy calling shotgun and I was stuck in the awkward backseat. The backseat is modified so a coffin can sit in it and there is room left for some passengers. This van is a hearse or at least a DIY of one.

We were awkwardly silent during the ride. Since there's barely any traffic on the road, it was a smooth and solemn drive with Aunt Christy just listlessly looking outside the window. In this pensive moment, I looked at the empty space in front of me. It was a slot for a coffin and I imagined what is to happen much later. I didn't tear up but I'm sure it's a bad day for rain.

We arrived at a similarly designed exterior. An all white and the same signages, the only difference being the address and telephone numbers. The interior is oddly similar, it feels like they used the same blueprint. We were oddly walking towards a very familiar office, it was positioned in the same position as Mr. Poncing's office. At this point, it wouldn't be weird if there was another Mr. Poncing inside.

"Juan! Open up." Mr. Poncing knocked on the door whilst calling for the person inside. The doorknob clicked and we were greeted with another Mr. Poncing sitting in the same way we saw Jose Poncing in the other branch.

Ah. I couldn't believe it. I was only joking when I said I expected another Mr. Poncing in the office. I sat on the same chair I sat earlier? I guess? They're the same type of chairs and they feel the same.

"Kids, uhmm, I never actually got to know your names. This is my twin-brother Juan." Mr. Jose Poncing introduced us to his brother. I stared at Juan with an inquisitive gaze. Perhaps he's also a friend of Palo, is what crossed my mind. "No, he isn't acquainted with Roger." Jose added.

"Oh. Oh yeah. My name is Ramil, and my aunt is Chisty." I said and offered my hand to shake. Juan looked at my hand and had a confused face. "Oh. Sorry. Social distancing. Got it."

They were old fellas so I can guess why they're more cautious than us. It was also tactless of me to reach my hand out like that. They bowed at me and I reciprocated the act, Aunt Christy also bowed on her own in my peripheral.

"Moving on to business, I can sell you a casket but I'm going to need to grease some palms. The worker's mouths need to be tight shut and I'll deal with the paperwork." Juan said with a straight face. "Of course, the casket is a standard white coffin with handles. It's gonna cost close to a grand but I'll chip in to help you at least."

"That's my brother right there." Jose beats his chest with his right hand. "But you don't need to help with the payment. I can pay myself." Jose added.

Juan looked at Jose with sneering eyes. "Of course you're going to pay for the casket yourself. I'll do the shady stuff myself since you don't know how these guys act and how to make them act."

They both left the room but they instructed us to stay within the confines of the office. Aunt Christy relaxed at this moment and I did as well. It was a blessing that Palo had connections but it is sad at the same time since they didn't end up on good terms.

We heard a knock on the door after quite some time and I heard either Jose's or Juan's voice, their similarities are uncanny so I can't tell who knocked. I opened the door and I saw them both stand outside the door with their tidy suits and gray hair. I bet they'd look handsome underneath their masks.

"Let us go." I heard one of them say that and then we rode the van back to Jose's branch of Saint Paul.

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They're back. I can hear Ramil's motorcycle being parked. I went outside to ask them about what decisions they've made with the funeral services. I saw Ramil taking his helmet off and his legs were sopping wet. I don't see Aunt Christy anywhere near Ramil but I can see the helmet she brought hanging from the handlebar.

"Where's aunty?" I asked Ramil and he just looked behind himself. I was confused but the answer came after a few moments. A van arrived with Aunt Christy on the passenger seat, she looked extremely cozy in contrast to Ramil's pitiful state.

The rain got worse so it's a given he wasn't pleased with it. Ramil went inside ahead of time and I stayed outside to greet Aunt Christy. The van stopped and out came Aunt Christy and the driver. From behind the van came 2 men wearing white protective clothing with gloves and masks.

They went inside the house and Aunt Christy came to me. "They'll take care of Papa. Don't worry." Aunt Christy patted my shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief. "Things are going to be okay now. Papa will be buried and everything is taken care of. Go take a bath and change into your Sunday clothing.

"I already took a bath Aunt Christy. I expected the burial to happen today." I pointed to my still wet hair and said. My sisters were also taking turns in the bath at this moment as I cautioned them to do so.

"Okay. Let's grab something to eat, we can't mourn on an empty stomach." She said with a bright smile. It seems food brightens up her day as well. "How does a feast sound after all of this? For now, let's make do with instant noodles and rice."

I nodded at her statement. "Inasal too?" I excitedly said.

"Yes. There's going to be inasal." She exclaimed with a helpless smile. "Now, let's get inside first. The handlers are getting ready to wrap Papa up and place him inside his coffin. It's best we are there to supervise."

"Ok." After replying to her, we immediately went inside. The two men who wore protective clothing were preparing and doing last minute checks on their suits. After checking for any vulnerability, they entered Palo's room and sprayed disinfectant all around.

Once they were done spraying, they went back out to grab the coffin. "Should we just proceed and put him inside the casket with his blanket?" Seeing as Palo was wrapped in his own blanket, they asked for permission.

"Yes. And please, include this wristwatch. It's his lifelong possession." Ramil said as he offered a box. He went silent for a while then headed towards Palo's old warehouse. He grabbed a small hammer, the hammer that Palo always uses and it was all worn out, greasy and very dirty from the overuse. "Include this as well."

After that, the men put Palo in his casket, nice and smooth. Palo was easy to move around as he was only skin and bones. He wasn't able to eat solid food anymore as well since his jaws have become too weak to chew. They then headed outside with the casket that was carrying Palo within it outside. They headed towards the van.

"Alright Ma'am. Is everyone here the only ones attending the funeral?" The driver asked. "Because even with this small number of people, due to the casket inside, capacity would be limited to 2 in the backseat and the two men with me can remain cramp in the passenger seat.

"That's a problem we already addressed earlier. A service ride from the local government is ready to take us to the graveyard. Thank you." Aunt Christy said towards the driver. "It should be here any moment now as I called them earlier during the ride."

We waited for 20 minutes until another white van near our driveway, during the downtime Ramil took a bath. This van is dirtier and paint peeled off in certain areas showing the rusted metal underneath. The inhabitants of this second van did not step off the vehicle and only rolled down the window a little bit.

"The back doors are unlocked. Get inside." The passenger seat guy wearing a 'let's go korea' red shirt said and pointed to the back of the van with his thumb.

With all of us fresh and dressed, we went inside the van and there was a large plastic cellophane separating the backseat from the front seats. The driver and the red shirt guy we're pretty lax in my opinion but the measures they put up are serious.

"They're late though." Is what I whispered to myself but somehow they heard what I said. They looked at me and stared for a substantial amount of time that I began to sweat during this cold rainy day.

"Ahahahaha. Sorry kid." The guy in red laughed and apologized. "We got held up since the officials were pointing fingers as to who'll authorize this dispatch. They're trying to evade responsibility in any way they can. It's really pathetic. Haha." He's making fun of those assholes that employed him, what a guy.

Once we were all inside and the two men wearing protective clothing were situated in the backseat of the hearse together with Palo in his coffin.

The ride was too fast for a procession, in fact it was faster than the average vehicle speed on a normal day. It's not too surprising though, the streets are empty but I'd be happier if they slowed down as it's a rainy day after all and the hard rain isn't helping with visibility.

"Can we stop by San Nicolas Church for now? I wish for Papa to get blessed before he gets buried." Aunt Christy said towards the driver of the van we were in.

"That's fine with me Ma'am but how do we inform the other vehicle?" The driver said worryingly. "Just catch up with them, I'll do the screaming for you." The guy in red on the passenger seat said.

Our vehicle sped up and soon our wheels were aligned with the hearse. This looks dangerously close and there'd be no time for both drivers to react if something were to happen.

"Hey!" The guy in red shouted as he rolled his window down. "We're stopping by the church! You know! San Nicolas Church!" And the driver of the hearse nodded his head to signify his confirmation.

Once we arrived at the church, there were barely any parked cars and we didn't see anyone inside the grounds aside from the guard who opened the gates. It's an inauspicious Thursday after all, strong rain and the pandemic discourages people from going outside.

The vans stopped near the front of the temple. Aunt Christy stood from her seat and walked outside, my younger sisters and my older sister who was carrying Ben also followed suit. Only me and Ramil were left in the backseat. Ramil looked at me and I stared back at him only to look down a few moments later.

Ramil sighed and leaned back. He used both of his arms to support him from behind and looked up. He was wearing a new white shirt since the one he wore earlier got soaked in the rain even though he wore a raincoat. He continued his audible breathing for a few seconds and then he looked at me.

"I don't hate you, Justin." Ramil said firmly to me. "I'm not exactly the best at relationships. I can't handle my temper most of the time. I am sorry. At times I'm annoyed at you, I just glare at you instead of speaking because I don't want to scold you."

He then leaned back on his arms again and looked up. This time, his head went backward too much that I could see his Adam's apple too clearly. He was sweating, I observed him closely and it really seems like he isn't in his element. We lived together for quite a while now but this is the first time he opened himself to me.

"I." I tried to speak but I didn't really know what to say. "I, you can tell me off. You can reprimand me when I make mistakes." My mouth moved by itself but it stopped there. It didn't say anything meaningful aside from that line.

Ramil retracted his backward bent head and looked at me. This time, I saw an awkward smile instead of his usual grim smile and his eyes were soft. He scratched his head with one of his arms and fixed his posture before starting to speak.

"Let's just be regular brothers." He stated. He offered his right hand to shake but soon retracted it. I can guess why he changed his mind for a handshake. "Instead, let's hug it out. Brother." He then opened both of his arms and his previously demonic face now became a solace to rely on.

I was conflicted. I thought he didn't want to shake hands due to health reasons but now he asks for a hug. Though looking at him, I can tell that being on good terms with him is much better than the ice-cold excuse of a relationship. So I accepted his offer. To brothers.

The hug was short-lived but it was enough for the both of us. We just sat there waiting for the others to come but the difference from earlier was that there was no awkwardness. We don't have anything to discuss as of yet but I'm pretty sure there would be a lot in the future.

Soon enough, Aunt Christy came back alone and wanted to discuss things with Ramil.

"Ramil, you should come with me." Aunty Chisty said with a weak voice. "You know how to haggle right?" And I think I know why she's crestfallen.

"Yea. What seems to be the problem?" Ramil got up from his seat and went outside the van. "Are they asking for an exorbitant offering?"

"They're asking for a hundred bucks for a prayer." Aunt Christy opened her wallet and looked inside of it. "I only have a hundred and fifty dollars left on-hand and we still need to give a tip to the organizer over at the graveyard." She was troubled due to the lack of funds.

Ramil opened his wallet in turn. He grabbed notes and gave them to Aunt Christy, who looked at her hand and heaved a sigh of relief. Ramil gave a light smile towards her and just came inside the van.

"Where'd you get that money from?" I asked him. "We only had noodles for lunch so I thought we were tight on budget?"

Ramil directed his gaze at me before speaking. "We are tight on budget since I had to include Palo and his needs." He positioned himself comfortably and continued. "That was Palo's medicine budget for the month, which also includes his food craving budget. You do know that Palo can get picky with his viand sometimes."

"You still have to haggle you know." I reminded him of what Aunt Christy asked him originally.

Ramil realized and had a face of surprise. He then stood from his seat again and jogged to catch up to Aunt Christy.

After quite a while, I see everyone coming back with a priest right behind them. They went towards the other van and I saw the backdoor open and the priest started praying. His portentous actions were practiced and the way he sprinkles holy water was precise. Throughout the ceremony, there was a rudimentary problem. The priest was not emotionally invested as his face was stoic, devoid of emotion. It feels like he is just doing a business deal instead of blessing the dead.

After the deed, he put his hands together and looked at my Aunt. He was waiting for the payment and he only smiled after Aunt Christy gave her the money. It was at that time that he genuinely said "Bless you." It was a perfect line in juxtaposition to the prayer blessing just earlier.

The rain continued its downpour and we were headed towards the end of Palo's line. It was then that I realized I didn't know where I put that object I wanted to bury along with Palo. I tapped pockets to find out that it wasn't in any of them. I was pretty sure I put it in one of them. I looked below my seat and thankfully it was.

"What are you looking for?" Evelyn said with an inquisitive tone. She peered her head to see whatever I was holding.

"A candle fell, I just went and reached for it below." It was a good thing I was also holding a candle bundle for the novena later. She had a doubtful look but decided to drop her suspicions thankfully.

We soon arrived at the graveyard. When we got off the vehicle, we saw 4 men digging a hole. It was quite a large hole for a single coffin. These men were covered in dirt and were pretty tired looking. I think the rain made it easier to dig but it also messes with their footing and lowers stamina. However, the ground being soft is still a huge benefit for them.

We also saw a man wearing a yankee cap. He had dark skin and a bulky body but oddly enough he wasn't part of the workforce, he was holding a folder indicating he was an administrator of some sort.

"Are you Nelson?" Aunt Christy walked towards the yankee hat wearing man and asked. He looked towards us and gave us a welcoming smile.

"You're quite early Ma'am, the boys aren't finished digging yet." His smile shifted to a troubled expression. He scratched his head with his pen and just laughed.

"Isn't that hole enough for the coffin?" Aunt Christy asked. "Tell me, is this not the hole I asked you to dig?" Aunt Christy pointed her index finger at Nelson's chest in a threatening fashion.

Nelson backed off and just smiled. He opened his mouth and said "Ma'am, truth be told, this hole is for two people." He braced himself for a hit and curled up. "Aren't you going to hit me?"

"Why would I? It's obvious that cemeteries are full and the influx of death is a rising problem." Aunt Christy stated. "We totally understand. I'm still angry you didn't inform me beforehand though." She then proceeded to smack him.

Aunt Christy had us stand under a random roof and we started praying the novena and lit our candles. The workers went towards the van and dragged Palo's coffin towards the end. Before they put him down, they tied one end of the casket with a rope. They then manually lowered his casket down with pure strength, no mechanisms, just rope and men.

After lowering him down the hole which I doubt was six feet deep, they went straight to shovelling the dirt back into the hole but they left the other half of it empty using a flat piece of wood. Perhaps it is to separate Palo from the other client.

At this time, I walked towards the working men and lamented. I put my left hand in my left pocket and clutched the things within it. There were two things in my hand, one being a lighter and the other a crumpled cigarette.

I, being a non-smoker, tried to burn the end with the lighter but it didn't work quite well. So I imitated the smokers, putting the cigarette on my mouth and lit it up while breathing in.

"Cough, cough."

It was a pathetic attempt. But the cigarette was properly lit and smoking, and at this moment I can finally say the words that were stuck within my throat.

"Goodbye Palo."

I then threw both the lit cigarette and the lighter towards the hole. It was his final smoke, the last one I bought for him.

After that was done and dealt with. We said our farewells to the Saint Paul workmen and driver. We also said goodbye to the diggers and Nelson. And we all said a jovial goodbye to Palo, sending him off with our bright smiles. Though I did get an angry rebuking after I lit the cigarettes.

We went back to the local government service van. As we were getting on the vehicle, I saw Aunt Christy giving tips to the driver and the red shirt man as a thanks. She was the last to get on the vehicle.

During the ride, after the high disappeared, the atmosphere was gloomy.

Ramil clapped and said. "Hey guys, look on the bright side." He smiled. "I can now save up a capital to start a business." He still smiled. However tears were flowing from his eyes nonstop. He didn't shed a tear during the day, he kept it all within him. His emotions burst like a dam and he sobbed audibly.

"Let's have a feast tonight." Aunt Christy said to brighten up the mood. She still remembered what she promised earlier. "As cheers to a prosperous future." She continued with a bright smile but her tears didn't stop flowing even after wiping her face.

END.