“I want to see my father.”
Weeks later, after estate authorization was settled, the funeral home
released Arthur’s ashes according to his written instructions.
Mason carried the urn to Cedar Hill.
Walter met him beneath the same cypress trees.
Arthur had requested that part of his ashes be placed beside Mason’s
mother.
The cemetery arranged everything properly.
Mason stood beside his mother’s grave holding the old brass key from
Unit 108.
He told Arthur he was sorry he had not been there.
He told him the conviction was gone.
He told him Travis was under investigation.
He told him the house was still tied up in legal procedures.
Then Mason said the thing that hurt most.
“I thought you believed I did it.”
Wind moved through the trees.
There was no answer.
There did not need to be.
Arthur’s boxes had answered.
The criminal case against Travis moved separately.
