Open or Closed?

Prompt: Write a story in dialogue (e.g. an argument or conversation in discord). Contains dark humor.

Open or closed?

“Momma, open or closed casket? The funeral director needs to know so final preparations can be made.”

“Jimmy, your grandpa never was concerned about his looks. He was a man who lived a simple, stingy life. Growing up I never had much. He and my mother scrimped and saved until it hurt. I never got much from either one of them. Now I have to spend a fortune on him after he is dead!”

“Momma just answer my question: open or closed? Just look at Grandpa. His body is gaunt, shriveled, with rotten teeth, and just so old looking.”

“Well, Jimmy what would you expect from a 96-year-old man whose grooming habits didn’t exist while he was alive. I am not sure even the word “alive” is a good characterization of him when he walked the earth. He displayed no affection in front of me. I am not even sure he was affectionate to my mother when she was alive. Maybe once when I was conceived and that even was a stretch.”

“Please Momma you need to answer whether you want Grandpa’s casket open or closed. Time is running out. Maybe we should ask your cousin Doris when she gets here?”

“Jimmy, time is in my hands. Your Grandpa ain’t getting any younger. I just don’t know but maybe Doris can give me her two cents worth. She was one of Grandpa’s favorites. She’s always offering opinions whether you ask for them or not. Her perkiness overwhelms me sometimes. Here she comes now.”

“Hello my dears. I am here to give you my love and support during this sad time. I offer you my joy and peace. Maude, your father was an exemplary figure. He was an austere man who made do with very little. He was a no-nonsense man who worked hard to provide for his family. Your Daddy will be missed! How did he pass?”

“Yes Doris, my father was an enigma. A man of few words, no emotion, and no empathy for others. He was no Daddy to me! The man was 96, Doris! His large stone-cold heart eventually froze up and stopped working. Now I have to pick up the pieces he left behind.”

“Maude, I feel you are frustrated and angry at his passing. Take some deep breaths. In and out, slowly darling. Think pleasant thoughts of your Daddy. He would have wanted us to honor his memory, not berate him!”

“What the hell do you know Doris! Your ‘la de da’ attitude just nauseates me! Oh, I am so overwhelmed by these plans. My husband had to work and was not allowed time off even for a funeral. The audacity of his uncaring employer. My life has been filled with misery.

“Remember when Momma unexpectedly died forty years ago? It was so hard. After her passing I ended up having to care for this so-called Daddy because he was never the same after she was gone. Forty years of my life dedicated to that wretched man of a father. I don’t ever recall him doing anything nice for me. Sure, he was nice to my husband and Jimmy, but not me. I was his servant and maid just like my mother!”

“Momma, please don’t cry. Doris didn’t mean to upset you. Perhaps Doris can help us with the preparations? Maybe she could make a few decisions like open or closed casket?”

“Jimmy, please don’t pressure your Momma. Here comes the funeral director now.”

“I meant to give you this letter when you and Jimmy were planning the arrangements. I am sorry for the oversight. I suspect it could be his will. I found it on his person in the lapel pocket of the suit you provided. I’ll be in my office should you need me. I will need to know soon whether you plan for an open or closed casket.”

“What do you think this could be about, Maude?”

“Doris, I am not a mind reader. My father was so secretive about his affairs. Jimmy, you were closer to him more than anyone. Do you have any idea?”

“Not a clue, Momma. I think we should open the letter. Let me read it to you.”

“It says: My dear Maude, knowing your concern about my welfare I want to answer a question that likely is plaguing you now. If I haven’t guessed correctly then I don’t know you as well as I thought. Closed casket! Give me a closed casket. You already have seen me dead so why give the public the opportunity to comment on my rotting body. I’ll address more issues later in this letter about you.

“My dear sweet Doris, your tender heart tried to penetrate my gruff exterior. But like Maude I put up my defenses and shut you out. I am very sorry for this. I have a quarter million dollars waiting for you in my checking account. Take it and spread your good cheer like you always do. Never having a care in the world, my darling Polyana, Doris.”

“Oh heavens Maude, this is so amazing.”

“Doris, let the boy continue reading.”

“To my dear grandson, Jimmy. You are my only male heir to receive my amassed wealth. You were a faithful companion particularly when others wanted nothing to do with me. You helped me combat my loneliness when I needed a male confidant. Your mother just would not understand my feelings. So, my boy, I leave for you half a million dollars tucked away in a large lock box in the back of my closet. The fortune, however, is in small bills, fives and tens. I saved a little (well perhaps not so little) every week from my pension and social security checks through the many years. The combination is ‘Maude not for you’. Jimmy, I bet your momma is infuriated. I can picture steam coming out of her ears and her eyes bulging out of her head. Don’t be intimated by her.”

“That bastard of a man! How dare he insinuate I had forsaken him! How could I understand him when he never shared anything with me? And for him to give you, Doris, all that money. I do understand his generosity to my son, Jimmy. But, to the tune of a half million dollars?”

“Maude, calm down! Let Jimmy finish reading the letter. There seems to be several more pages.”

“Ok, I am calmer now. Jimmy, please finish reading.”

“Grandpa continues by quoting Psalm 49:

so don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.” (Psalms 49:16-20 NLT)

So, Maude, I quietly amassed my fortune avoiding the scrutiny and greediness of my family and friends. Nonetheless, my wealth was not just coins, but you my dear child. You are worth so much more than gold and silver could buy. Yes, I was a callous and at times an uncaring father. I became so concerned about amassing my fortune for the family after I was gone. I became obsessed like king Midas. Consequently, my personality changed and I became uncaring, reclusive, and mean. I never mentioned to you how afraid I would become losing you in death. Regrettably while alive, I failed to show any deep affection and respect for my most precious daughter. The result was it drew a wedge deeper between us and quite frankly a dagger into your heart. For that I am very sorry. For not expressing my love as a father I am deeply sorry. For all my failures I am truly, truly sorry.”

“Momma you’re weeping. If this is too much to read, then let me stop.”

“I’m okay Jimmy. Go ahead and finish. “

To close out my deepest wishes, I leave you, Maude, Jimmy and Doris with these thoughts: “

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT)

Now, Maude I left for you and your husband one hundred million dollars in my stock and bonds portfolio. Perhaps you’ll understand how I became such a recluse in this life. I secluded myself to become a master manipulator of the stock market. I could not share this with you or anyone within the family or especially friends. Regretfully and most importantly I wish I had shared my faith with you while I was still alive.

Bare this in mind: “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT)

Lovingly your father, your Daddy

-END-

NLT=New Living Translation (Tyndale House)

Author: Pete Gautchier

Acknowledgement: Reedsy.com prompts