The Uninvited

of teenagers, but no young children. I get aglimpse of Ashok in the row behindStephanie, who is seated at the front withthe family.The vicar, small and bald-headed,looks sober against the vibrancy of thestained glass, which depicts theCrucifixion. He begins to speakponderously. It’s a speech about the natureand function of grief, and the value ofmemory, and about how the life of Kaitlinwas tragically cut short, in a painful andinexplicable way, and yet she will remaina cherished and beloved fixture in thehearts of all of us gathered here.‘As long as that love is felt among us,she is immortal, and present still.’Departed this life. Left this world. Fellasleep.