บท 129: Chapter 129: The Funeral
After much persuasion, Castle finally convinced Abraham to accept a portion of the money from Castle's sale of Adam's collection. However, Abraham didn't allow Castle to stick to the fifty-fifty split. Instead, he accepted Castle's unyielding offer of fifty million dollars. Abraham asked Castle to open an anonymous account at the Cayman Islands bank, where Castle had his account, requiring only a password for transactions. Once Castle set up the account for Abraham, he transferred the fifty million dollars into it.
After settling the "distribution" matter, they relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. They also gossiped about Henry and Detective Jo Martinez's budding relationship. Abraham got worked up over these two who liked each other but wouldn't confess their feelings. He believed that after finding his long-lost adoptive mother, Henry should move on. This wasn't a betrayal to the deceased Abigail; rather, it was an opportunity for Henry to start a new chapter. Every time Abraham brought this up, Henry either evaded the topic or changed the subject, which frustrated Abraham, fearing Henry would end up alone.
Castle understood Henry's mindset. In the original series, Henry's internal struggle regarding Jo Martinez was clearly depicted. Henry wanted to be with Jo but feared facing another loss, given his immortal nature. He dreaded the thought of watching another loved one age and die while he remained unchanged. Despite wanting a new relationship and being attracted to Jo, Henry couldn't take that step.
As a friend, Castle wanted Henry to move past Abigail's death and start a new relationship, but he knew it wasn't easy for Henry. Moreover, if Henry and Jo did get serious, Henry would feel compelled to reveal his immortality to her, and Jo's reaction would be unpredictable. Therefore, Castle refrained from meddling, leaving the decision to Henry.
After a hearty meal and some time discussing a future visit to Castle's hiding place for Adam's collection, they settled the bill and headed to Abraham's antique shop to see if Henry had returned. Unfortunately, Henry was still busy with a tough case. Castle, not wanting to linger, arranged a time for Abraham to select antiques and planned to attend Abigail's funeral together the day after tomorrow. He then picked up his daughter Alexis, who had been enjoying music and pizza with friends in Greenwich Village, and went home.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next day, Castle spent the entire day writing, advancing his novel based on Beckett to about two-thirds complete. Just a few more touches, and the first draft would be ready.
Time flew as Castle immersed himself in writing. On the third day, he donned a solemn black suit, as it was the day of Abigail's funeral, arranged by Henry and Abraham.
The funeral took place in a beautiful, serene cemetery on the outskirts of New York. Apart from the priest, only three people attended: Henry, Abraham, and Castle. Abigail's family and friends had mostly passed away, and she had no children, only her adopted son Abraham. Due to Henry's unchanged appearance over the years, there were no other attendees.
Henry, in a somber black suit, held a bouquet of white flowers, silently reminiscing about the sweet past he shared with the blonde woman. Abraham, overwhelmed with grief, stared at the coffin with tearful eyes, recalling the kind woman who adopted him and raised him from a baby to an adult, now reduced to bones.
The priest recited the eulogy. After the ceremony, cemetery workers carefully lowered Abigail's coffin into the grave. As the soil covered the coffin, Henry and Abraham couldn't hold back their tears.
Castle, feeling equally heavy-hearted, didn't want his friends to remain in sorrow. He approached the tearful Henry and Abraham, standing by the grave, and offered words of comfort: "Alright, Henry, Abraham, I'm sure Abigail wouldn't want you two to be so sorrowful. Besides, you avenged her. We must look forward. What matters now is laying Abigail to rest and helping Henry start a new chapter in life. I think that's what Abigail would have wanted."
Castle's unconventional comforting worked to some extent. At least, it shifted Henry and Abraham's attention from their grief. Henry looked surprised at his friend's bold suggestion: "Rick, what are you saying? Start a new relationship? Do you think it's appropriate to say that in front of Abigail?"
Henry, usually good-natured, felt a bit annoyed today. But Castle's intention was to provoke this reaction, making Henry focus on something else. Castle ignored Henry's annoyance, doubling down: "Do you think I'm wrong? Henry, the dead are gone. You can't live in the past forever. You must lift your head and look forward! Do you think Abigail would want you to remain trapped in sorrow, or to let go and start anew? If she were watching, would she prefer to see you in pain or moving on with your life?"
Castle's blunt words snapped Henry out of his sorrow. Realizing his friend's intention, Henry couldn't help but smile. Rick was indeed a true friend, using this unconventional method to distract him from his grief.
Behind Henry's back, Abraham gave Castle a thumbs up, appreciating his daring approach. He knew how volatile Henry's seemingly calm demeanor could be and marveled at Castle's audacity.
Henry's centuries of experience and patience helped him see through Castle's ploy. With a smile, he thanked Castle: "Thank you, Rick. I understand your point. You're right, Abigail is gone, and I can't dwell on the past. She wouldn't want that. I know what I need to do now. Thanks for the reminder!"
Henry then turned, taking one last look at Abigail's grave before leaving the sorrowful place.
Seeing Henry leave, Abraham and Castle quickly followed. The three silently exited the cemetery.
As they got into Abraham's car, Henry turned to Castle: "Rick, come over to my place. Let's catch up and talk about what's been going on with you lately."
Castle smiled: "Sure!"
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