Patricia Was Already Dragging It Away
Guests hadn’t been seated yet.
Most were gathering near the cocktail area.
At the front of the ceremony space, Patricia had removed the photograph from the chair and placed it on a nearby table.
She was pulling the chair toward the side aisle.
Rachel walked straight toward her.
“What are you doing?”
Patricia froze.
Then recovered.
“Oh. Rachel.”
“Why are you moving my dad’s chair?”
Patricia let go of the backrest.
“I was just adjusting the seating.”
“No, you weren’t.”
Patricia lowered her voice.
“I think this is better.”
Rachel stared at her.
“Better for who?”
Patricia Said Guests Were Uncomfortable
She explained that several relatives had apparently asked about the empty chair.
One older aunt had found it “sad.”
Another guest thought someone important was missing.
Patricia said:
“I don’t want people starting the ceremony thinking about death.”
Rachel couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“They’re not required to think about anything.”
“The photograph is in the front row.”
“Yes.”
“So everyone sees it.”
Rachel replied:
“That’s the point.”
Patricia sighed.
“Rachel, today is about starting a new life.”
Rachel’s expression changed.
“My father is part of my life.”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t.”
“Then put the chair back.”
