Humbled

I went.

The oldest and the youngest were scampering around with pre-funeral jitters, but then came Shoes, trying to round them up. He stopped when he saw me.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came for you guys."

We talked for a moment, then he went off in search of his older brother. I made my way toward the doors, and an usher asked if I were family. No, just a teacher. Then Shoes appeared beside me.

"Family and close friends in the first three rows," he said, gesturing to where I should sit.

Oh, dear God, I'm glad I went!