I notice some nasty freeloaders flying around the money tree, so I grabbed some pesticide because they have got to go. I haven’t worked since we moved here, so this tree is not only supporting this family but also providing for Desiree’s future. There is no room in this inn, little fellas. I take that moment to call Less and discuss Mama’s arrangements. She didn’t know anything about the dance party but was not surprised to hear about it and expected something unconventional. I suggested a club in San Myshuno. She loved to dance, and what better place to have this party than her favorite city? Even though I told Mama I would carry out her wishes, part of me didn’t want to. I wasn’t in a dancing or celebratory mood. Besides, she’s dead. How would she know if things turned out how she wanted? I can’t do her like that. Having a dance party is much cheaper and less hectic than hosting a gathering at the house again, anyway.
Less asked the all important question: who do we invite? Do we make it a private affair? Open to just close friends? I only met two of Mama’s friends, Duane and Lucy, and Lucy died a while ago. She never had children, so I had no idea how to get in touch with or even find Mama’s other friends. But then Less remembered Dereck Jang. Rather, she asked, “who’s that random guy we used to run into sometimes?” I always forget about him until he turns up randomly somewhere, and we get reacquainted until we forget each other again. He’s the perfect one to reach out to. Even if he didn’t personally know her friends, I’m sure he knows who their children are. We can go from there. I made a mental note to call him later and continued on planning with Less. We’ll wear green because it was her favorite color. That seemed like an easy enough way to celebrate her, even if we don’t feel like dancing. Just like with Dad, we’ll keep the burial private and do it when we’re ready. Since Mama loved dressing up, we’ll get fancy in green again and hang out in the cemetery and share some memories, casual and low-key. That’s one thing Mama was good at: having low-key fun. She was great at big gestures, but she nailed the small ones too. I miss her so much already.
