Chapter 2

At 1:50 PM, I stood in front of 1247 Maple Street, carrying a shopping bag filled with streamers, balloons, and party decorations, feeling as excited as if I were heading to a wedding.

Then I looked up and saw that sign.

"Stone Memorial Services"

I blinked once, then twice. Memorial... what did Memorial mean again?

'Maybe this is just high-end company naming style?' I consoled myself. 'Stone sounds very sophisticated, and Memorial probably means commemorating... commemorating good times, right?'

But this building did look somewhat... ominous. Dark gray stone walls, heavy wrought iron gates with a massive cross carved into them. The entire structure radiated a solemn, reverent atmosphere—nothing like the colorful party planning company I had imagined.

'Maybe Gabriel is one of those low-key luxury planners?' I convinced myself again. 'High-end clients probably like this mysterious vibe?'

I pulled out my phone to confirm the address. Yep, this was it.

I took a deep breath and pushed open that heavy iron door.

The world inside made my steps freeze immediately.

This place looked like... like a castle from a movie. Dark wood paneling extended from floor to ceiling, massive oil paintings hung on the walls depicting religious themes. Soft light cascaded from crystal chandeliers, creating a solemn, dignified atmosphere.

The air was filled with a faint floral scent, but not the cheerful kind of floral scent—it was... how should I put it, a bit too solemn.

'Is this really a party planning company?' I began to doubt.

Then I saw the display cases.

My God, what were those?

Rows and rows of... boxes? No, those were...

"Ma'am, are you here to schedule services?"

A gentle voice pulled me back from my shock. A middle-aged woman in a black suit stood behind the reception desk, smiling at me.

"I... I have an appointment with Mr. Gabriel," I stammered, "at two o'clock... about a life ceremony..."

The receptionist's expression became understanding and sympathetic: "Oh, you're Charlie's family member? Please wait a moment, Mr. Gabriel will be right with you. You can have a seat."

Family member? Charlie's family member?

I nodded mechanically, then stiffly walked toward the seating area. My legs felt like jelly, and my mind was in complete chaos.

When I sat down, I finally had the courage to look around again. That's when I noticed that those display cases weren't filled with party supplies at all.

Those were... coffins.

Various sizes of coffins.

My shopping bag slipped from my hands, streamers and balloons spilling across the floor, looking particularly jarring in this solemn environment.

'This isn't a party planning company,' the horrifying truth began to form in my mind. 'This is...'

"Ms. Rodriguez?"

A deep, gentle male voice spoke up. I looked up to see a tall figure walking toward me. He wore a perfect black suit, his hair impeccably styled, with a professional yet warm smile on his face.

Gabriel.

'He's dressed like... like someone from the movies...' My thinking was starting to get chaotic.

"It's wonderful to meet you," Gabriel extended his hand, "Regarding Charlie's funeral arrangements, we..."

"Funeral?" I interrupted him, my voice so sharp it startled even me. "Wait, did you say funeral?!"

Gabriel blinked in confusion: "Yes, aren't you here to arrange burial services for your family member? We offer professional funeral services, including cremation, custom urns..."

The world spun before my eyes.

"Burial?!" I jumped up from the sofa, my voice echoing through the hall. "You're... you're a funeral director?!"

Gabriel's expression shifted from confusion to concern: "Of course, Stone Memorial Services is a funeral home. I thought you knew... You said you needed to arrange a life ceremony for Charlie..."

I was practically screaming: "Charlie needs a celebration of life party! Not... not..."

I pointed at those coffins, my finger trembling violently.

Gabriel's gaze fell on the scattered streamers and balloons on the floor, then looked at my paper-white face. I saw understanding dawn in his eyes.

"Oh shit," he said quietly, then immediately apologized, "Sorry, I mean... you thought I was..."

I grabbed the edge of the nearby table, "I thought, I thought..."

My voice grew smaller and smaller because I realized how absurd all of this was. I was in a funeral home, shouting at a funeral director, demanding he help me throw a party.

Gabriel looked at me, his expression shifting between confusion, sympathy, and some emotion I couldn't identify.

"Ms. Rodriguez," he said carefully, "perhaps we need to start this conversation over."