Harold was not what you would call a punctual man. Despite his best efforts, he often found himself rushing out the door and hoping he could make up for lost time. Unfortunately, today of all days, that trend continued. He was supposed to be attending his first cousin’s funeral.
Arriving 20 minutes late, Harold hastily parked his car, trying his best to smooth out his ruffled suit. Making his way to the entrance of the church, he tried to be quiet and sneaked into the sanctuary of the church and sitting on back row, carefully not to disrupt the mourners. He nodded respectfully to the strangers seating around him, when an usher handed him a program to divert his attention.
Looking at the glossy program, his brow furrowed at the photograph of the elderly woman on the program.
Harold: Who the hell is this? I don’t know this woman… he outbursts.
Lady Mourner: Shhh!!
Harold: Why the hell you telling me to shh shh. I don’t know you.
Realization suddenly dawned on him, causing his cheeks to redden in embarrassment.
He groaned, burying his face in his hands, O Lord, I’m at the wrong funeral! The silence that followed his exclamation was interrupted by snorts of laughter as the situation became apparent to the people around him and the ushers.
Blinking back at their entertained faces, Harold let out an awkward laugh, then he stood up and started making his way to the exit. Walking down the aisle and towards the exit, he looked back, Sorry for the interruption! I don’t know none of these people… his voice trailing off into muffled laughter.
As the church doors closed behind him, Harold couldn't help but join in the laughter, despite his own mistake. Maybe it was the absurdity of the situation, or the light-hearted way the people and the ushers had taken it. Either way, it was a funeral he would certainly never forget, even if it was for the wrong person.