Lucy looked at me with embarrassment. I smiled nonchalantly and handed the car keys to Charlie, "It's okay. You and the others can go first."
Lucy felt relieved. "Honey, thank you!"
I glanced at Charlie and his mother. They looked smug. But they had no idea. I didn't care. I called two cars and arranged for Charlie's seven or eight relatives to go to the hotel.
Lucy was waiting for me downstairs.
"Honey, Charlie and his mother are going to pay their respects to Mother and are getting changed. Let's wait a while."
I refused without hesitation, "No, mom doesn't like being disturbed."
"But I already promised them. If you don't let them go, I'm breaking my promise. You have to consider me," Lucy accused me.
"Besides, they came all the way here and it's a gesture of kindness. How can I not let them see Mother?"
I didn't need such a gesture. Just as I was about to firmly refuse, Charlie and his mother walked out of the hotel. Charlie was wearing a black suit, while his mother was wearing a bright red, festive funeral shroud. My face immediately darkened. Wearing a festive red dress on funeral—was it to pay respects to my mother, or was it to show off to her?