The Truth of the Matter

by Gina Burgess

About the Author: Gina is a writer from Tasmania. Her stories range from unsettling to uplifting and often lead readers away from the clarity and safety of light and dark, into less certain grey areas. Recent publications include Re:Fiction, On the Premises and the short story anthology “The Loop”. When not writing, Gina works as a graphic designer.

Excerpt

Someone had parked in their car space.

“Dammit,” William muttered and pulled up in the middle of the parking lot. “Can’t people read a reserved sign?”

Maree kept her eyes on her phone. “Everyone in town knew it was your dad’s funeral today. They probably thought you wouldn’t come back to work.”

“I can’t afford to keep the shop closed for a whole day,” William muttered. “Not after the way Dad managed the business.”

 Maree shrugged. Her fingers danced over her phone, forming texts, pressing send then moving on to another.

Thanks for being there today. Alexander loved your weekly Cluedo games.

Glad you made it. Alexander never missed your crime and mystery book club meeting.

So good to see—

William tutted. Maree glanced up in time to catch his eye roll.

“When did it become customary to text guests after a funeral?” he asked.

“They keep messaging me. It’s polite to reply.”

“Just send a reply-all. Thanks for coming, blah blah.”

“They deserve better than a template,” Maree said. “Each of these people meant something different to your father. He’d want them to receive unique replies.”

“They won’t know the difference.”

Maree sighed. “Just park the car.”

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