That’s why his appearance at the funeral confused me so deeply.

The chapel was filled with mourners dressed in black, gray, and navy.

Then Theo walked in wearing a vivid red dress.

Heads turned.

Whispers spread across the room.

One of Daniel’s brothers muttered, “What on earth is he doing?”

My first thought was that Theo was trying to attract attention.

Then I wondered whether something had happened between the boys before Jack passed away.

Had they argued?

Was this some strange attempt to make a statement?

I leaned toward two of Jack’s school friends.

“Did something happen between Theo and Jack?”

They immediately shook their heads.

“No, Mrs. Harris. Nothing like that.”

Theo sat quietly near the aisle, his hands clasped so tightly that his knuckles were pale.

Daniel noticed him a few minutes later.

“Why is he wearing that?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered.