Free Lost Eden (The Soulkeepers) by G.P. Ching

Atrocious!”
    “I’m sorry— What was your name?” Malini asked.
    “Patricia. Patty. Very nice to meet you.” She extended her hand. Malini accepted her handshake and introduced Jacob, Lillian, and Ethan, who was growing more uncomfortable by the minute. They took a few steps forward with the line.
    “So, what were you saying about the medication?” Lillian prompted.
    “Didn’t you hear?” She lowered her voice. “His medication was discontinued. Harrington Pharmaceuticals stopped production of all medications except Elysium. Luke’s condition was rare, as was his prescription therapy. The hospital couldn’t find another source in time. If you ask me, that’s what killed him.”
    Malini wanted to continue the conversation, but Jacob was poking her in the side. She tried pushing his hand away but eventually gave into his prodding. “What Jacob?” she said through a tight smile.
    He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “That’s what I texted you about. Elysium is made by Harrington.”
    Malini exchanged glances with Lillian who fidgeted as if she were covered in ants. “Thank you, Patty. We didn’t know. I’m sure the family will find comfort in your presence.”
    Patty nodded, dabbing her eyes again, and turned back into line.
    They’d reached the front of the funeral parlor where an urn containing Mr. Michaels’s remains was surrounded by more flowers and plants. While the family visited with Patty, Malini said a prayer for Luke Michaels. She couldn’t get her head around how a fully grown man could fit in the small metal container. Life was fleeting and fragile. He’d spent his life building the largest farm in Paris to end up here.
    “Thanks for coming, Mal,” Dane said, calling her over. He wrapped his arms around her for a quick hug.
    “Hey, man.” Jacob extended his hand while Lillian and Ethan hung back. “Sorry, again, about your dad.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Ethan!” Mrs. Michaels called. Dane turned toward his mother, eyebrows raised, then exchanged glances with Ethan. The gray-haired woman budged between them and hooked her hand inside Ethan’s elbow. “There you are! I thought Dane would have invited you to stand with us. You’re practically family.” She pulled him by her side in line.
    Ethan’s mouth fell open, and Dane stared at his mother as if she’d grown a second head.
    Mary Michaels lowered her voice. “There’s no reason for us to keep pretending this isn’t what it is. Today, we are a family grieving. All of us. We all need each other.”
    Next to Ethan, who took his position in the receiving line with equal measure of shock and aplomb, Dane nodded, eyes misting. He turned to shake Lillian’s hand and accept her condolences. Pulling Mrs. Michaels into a tight hug, Malini was speechless with admiration. Finally, Ethan and Dane got what they deserved. Acceptance.
    When Lillian and Jacob had finished with the line, Malini followed the others to the reception room where they joined the Laudner family at one of several folding tables set up for guests.
    “You should try Carolyn’s casserole,” John Laudner said to Malini. “Jacob will tell ya how good it is. Best Bacon Cheeseburger Breakfast casserole in town.”
    Jacob glanced at her, then flashed Carolyn a practiced smile. “Uh, yeah. Real cheesy,” he said, bobbing his head.
    In the chair beside John, an exhausted looking Katrina rested her head in her palm. She snorted at the exchange. “Yeah, it’s delicious, and contains your entire daily requirement of calories per serving.” She giggled and Carolyn slapped her on the shoulder.
    “Katrina!”
    “Oh, come on, Mom. You use an entire stick of butter in that thing.”
    Carolyn pointed a chubby finger in Malini’s direction. “It’s a treat, for special occasions.”
    “I’ll be sure to try some,” Malini said. “Katrina, you look like you need more than a day’s worth of calories, care to join me?” Malini’s comment landed on the table