Omega's Gleem Chapter Three

III. Farewell to a Hero

Audrey was true to her word. In two days time, Theodore Wiggins’ obituary was published.

Mayor Holland sat at his desk reading it over. The printed words seemed to captivate him with wonder and praise. There was much he didn’t know about the city’s hero. He was so enthralled by what he read, that he failed to notice the man standing in the doorway.

The man’s name was, Simon Neith. He was one of Holland’s advisors and had worked with him since his first term of office. The slender fellow appeared in his doorway and had rapped several times against the frame. Light knocks hammered against the wooden outline, alerting the mayor of his presence. However, Mayor Holland was preoccupied and hadn’t heard them. A light cough jolted his attention towards the opened door. Lowering the paper, he smiled at Simon and welcomed him in.
The man looked shaken up, as if something bad had happened. The mayor didn’t like this. He had enough to worry about without something else getting in the way. With a sigh, he asked Neith what was wrong.

He approached the mayor and talked softly so only he could hear. Apparently there was a delay in the disposal of the creature called Mauler. The mayor was taken back by this. He’d ordered the creature’s remains to be destroyed. Simon acknowledged this, but informed his honor that a new order had been issued to the science team.

City Hall had a small science committee that helped to combat against diseases and other foreign threats to life. Somehow, an order was placed that commanded that the creature be studied. An utterly mad idea. Mauler was extremely dangerous. He could careless what it was or where it came from. It had killed citizens, destroyed countless buildings and had taken the life of the city’s hero. As far as he was concerned, the creature was a menace to all life. He was so enraged by this, that he went to the science department himself. The mayor would demand to know who gave the order to halt the monsters extermination.

When he questioned the head of the  science team, he was shocked to learn that O’ Hare had given the order.

At one time he would’ve been the first name that came to mind. Aloysius O’ Hare was once a thorn in the city’s side. His lust for money and control had caused him to break the law on numerous occasions. After his help in ridden the city of the Mauler creature, the mayor offered him a job. It wasn’t anything too major and he would be closely watched. Al was given a small office and worked alongside the mayor’s social division. He thought he could trust the little guy. Now he was finding out that Al was giving orders behind his back, and he wanted to know why.

*****

O’ Hare had just gotten off the phone when the door to his office burst open. The look on Mayor Holland’s face was stern as he stared down at the little man. His voice was shallow and filled with anger, “Did you send a order to the science team to do studies on the Mauler creature?”

Al looked up at the man with a slight smile. He said he had, but for good reasons. How were they to know there weren’t others like it out there. From what the team had deduced. There was no such creature in all of Seussdom that corresponded to the creature’s DNA. He felt it necessary to study it. To learn from it’s genetic makeup, so that something could be found to prevent another attack. He was doing this with the entire city in mind.

The mayor understood what Al was trying to accomplish, but he felt it too risky. Personally, he could careless where it came from. All he wanted was to see it burned to ashes. Therefore, he had countermanded O’ Hare’s order. No further studies were to be done on the creature. It’s corpse would be transported back to the incinerator ASAP. No other actions were to be taken. The monster had taken the life of the city’s hero. Its name would never be uttered again. He wanted O’ Hare to know that he would not stand for anything like this again. Holland reminded him that he was under close watch. Such an act like the one he tried to pull would not be ignored. O’ Hare was ordered to report any and all ideas to the staff that was assigned too him. The mayor wanted to trust him. These types of disorderly conduct would not be tolerated. He wanted Al to succeed, but he would not be blind to his games.

Aloysius acknowledged the mayor with a nod.

“Good. Now about the flower arrangements for the visitation. How are they coming?”, he asked.

“Everything is fine, Mr. Mayor. I just got off the phone with them. It was a bit difficult. You wouldn’t believe how many orders have already came in.”

Holland knew full well what kind of chaos was happening at the flower shops. He’d tried several times himself and got busy signals every time. He asked O’Hare, as a personal favor to setup the displays. Unbeknownst to the mayor, O’ Hare had tried ordering one himself. He’d done this on his own time and discovered something. Apparently, the family of the deceased had given strict orders that they refuse any and all business from him.

This wasn’t too odd. After all, O’ Hare had been Ted’s enemy for quite sometime. Yet, during a time of reflection and grief, he was taken back by this unusual set of circumstances. He tried getting in touch with the teen’s family. All calls were rejected. He tried visiting the Wiggins personally but was never granted admittance. He tried speaking to his father man to man. That didn’t turn out too well. He’d done terrible things to the guy. The sad thing was, he wasn’t looking for acceptance or forgiveness. He just wanted to show his respect. That word never seemed to fit his persona. In fact, he was viewed by many as ‘The Bad Guy’. The thought of seeing a flower display with his name on it was unspeakable. Then again, O’ Hare didn’t give up that easily.

Three days after trying to talk with Ted’s dad. He came upon his grandmother at the local Mini Mart. The Mini Mart was one of the places that O’ Hare had built that stood unchanged. When he first approached her, he half expected her purse to make contact with his face. Thankfully, Norma was more civilized. She met the man outside, near the entrance. He offered his hand and even though she didn’t take it, she did make time to talk with him.

“O’ Hare. I’m surprised to see you out in the open.”, she said with a quizzical look.

“Miss. Wiggins, I’ve been trying to get in touch with your family.”

“And we’ve been trying to distance ourselves from you.”, Norma said with a joking grin.

Al laughed at the joke, which it was meant to be. Then he went into the whole affair about him not being allowed to send flowers to Ted’s funeral.

Norma didn’t think this odd at all. Ever since Ted planted the seed, O’ Hare had been on the boy’s back like a annoying pet monkey. No matter where Ted went, O’ Hare followed him. Day in and day out, plot after plot. He’d made it his mission to taunt, harass and even kidnap her grandson. He’d allowed a crazed torturer to preform phase torture upon Ted’s person. Taken his girl Audrey against her will. The list went on and on. Al confessed to all these things and more. He was hoping for a truce. “Everyone else in Thneedville have sent their condolences. Why not me?”, he asked, nearly on his knees at this point.

“O’ Hare, how would the people think if they went through the long line of bouquets, only to come to one with your name on it. The same man that hated Ted is now sending his well wishes to the family? It would be too suspicious. We simply don’t want anything negative. I’m sure you understand.”

Al persisted, “What about a card? A small, sympathy note.”

Norma shook her head and told him it wouldn’t be right.

That was four days ago and he still couldn’t get so much as a fruit basket sent. So, what the mayor asked next was more then just coincidence. “Are you coming to the visitation tomorrow?”, the mayor asked.

“Of course I’ll be there.” ‘Though I’ll probably be arrested if I show up’, he thought to himself.

“Good. I look forward to see you there, Al.”

‘You may be the only one, Mr. Mayor’, Al thought as he watched the him leave.

Jarvis had heard most of the conversation between his employer and the mayor. He was unsure if O’ Hare should go to the visitation at all. He spoke his concerns, feeling it unwise for him to be seen at the teen’s wake. Aloysius explained to him that if the mayor expected him their, he would be their. He cared little for what others thought. He wanted the mayor on his side, not against it.

“You do realize that there may be repercussions if you show up at the funeral home, Mr. O’ Hare.”, he said.

“Of course there will be. You don’t think I haven’t thought of that as well, Jarvis. Then again, the mayor will be expecting me. So, I show up, wether I am welcome or not. Might I point out that I have a right to view the deceased like everyone else.”, Al spoke with authority.

His assistant knew this to be true. Though he still felt things would get hairy if he was spotted. The media would have a field day with it. He could practically see the headlines now, ‘Aloysius O’ Hare seeing at Thneedville Hero’s wake.’ Such an article would cause controversy for years to come. Nevertheless, his boss had an idea. He would go to the wake, but not as himself. O’ Hare wasn’t a fool. He knew he wouldn’t get past the front doors without the aid of discretion.

“And how will you be attending the wake, if you don’t mind me asking, sir.”

“Easy, Jarvis. I shall go in disguise, naturally. The mayor will understand and what the good people of Thneedville don’t recognize won’t hurt me.”, Al said with a smile.

******

The Thneedville Funeral Home was packed to the gills with pedestrians. The parlor alone was hard to maneuver around. Only ten where allowed into the visiting room that held Ted’s body. Sills had to call in extra help to secure the crowd as to not overwhelm the family. Though it didn’t seem to matter, they had expected such a turn out. Their son had made numerous friends in his short life, not to mention all those that looked up too him as a hero or a friend.

One of these friends was eight year old, Wesley Wettelson. Wesley had grown attached to Ted like a big brother. The kid actually dressed up as his hero for Halloween. Every year he did this and he vowed to dress up like him every year in his honor. As brave as the lad was, when his parents Dan and Rose Wettelson took him into the visiting room. His courage sank into despair.

Ted’s coffin was a dark maroon, the only color that was close to his favorite color, red. During the preparations for the visitation. Norma and Audrey had gone to the funeral home to bring the garments Ted would be buried in. They were the same ones that Both him and Audrey had picked for him to wear too prom. It was a black tuxedo with a red bow tie and matching dress shoes.

When Wesley saw him, he though he was just asleep. He knew somewhat about death, as much as his parents could explain. At first, when he heard that Ted had died, he was beside himself. The poor boy would literally take his Ted doll, the very one Ted bought him, everywhere he went. Normally, after he was done playing with it, he would return it to the toy chest in his room. Now he carried it everywhere, even to the wake. His parents worried about him, but felt it was best for him to see his friend. Perhaps it would help him recover. The situation turned a whole one-eighty. Wesley was convinced he was just sleeping and tired to wake him. Ted’s parents stood by in tears as the Wettelson’s tried calming their son.

“He’s just asleep mom. Ted wake up   It’s me, Wesley  ”, he cried.

By the time they got him out of the room, the boy was in tears, hugging his Ted doll close.

Out in the main area, Audrey and several of Ted’s closest friends gathered to greet each new arrival. It was during this time that a suspicious character entered the scene. He came in with a group of other citizens. The gentlemen was clothed in a tan suit with a maroon buttoned shirt and dark brown tie. On his head was a hat that was titled to the left. His eyes were covered by sunglasses and his chin and upper lip was decorated with a full beard and mustache. The one person that noticed the odd man was Eric Seltzer.

He just got done shaking a elderly women’s hand when he spied the man walking amongst the crowd. He lightly nudged Audrey, gesturing towards the individual. “Get a load of this guy.”, he whispered.

Audrey took one look at him and deduced whom it was. “What’s he doing here? Has he finally gone mad  ?”, Audrey whispered back.

Eric shrugged. He figured he had a right to be here, like everyone else. The only problem was, others wouldn’t see it that way. Chances were he would eventually be recognized. If that happened, the whole place would explode into a frenzy of anger and malcontent. She would have to stop it before it escalated further. And so, she slowly approached the said individual.

O’ Hare, in his inconspicious attire, dumped into the tall teenage girl. Using a formal tone mixed with European charm. He tried to disguise his memorable voice. “Excuse me my dear. I’m sorry if I startled you. I merely wish to view our dearly departed Wiggins.”

Audrey rolled her eyes, she could tell it was Al just by his size. He was, in fact, the shortest adult in the city. If he thought dressing up in different cloths and wearing false facial hair was going to keep from being seeing. He obviously had no idea how foolishly he looked.

Still playing the part of a sophisticated gentleman. He allowed Audrey to escort him to the viewing room. However, he soon figured out they were going the opposite way. He knew for a fact that the viewing rooms were towards the back, as they were heading towards the front. He tried, using his European accent, to sway any attempt of being recognized. Audrey had to admit his accent was very believable. If only his size could be better concealed.

She opened a nearby door and ushered him inside.

“I say, madame. Isn’t this a closet? I’m afraid you’ve taken a wrong turn....”, he said as she closed the door behind them.

Once they were inside, Audrey looked down at the little man. There was a aura of disgust on her face as she stared at O’ Hare. With as much dignity as she could muster. She asked him what he was doing?

O’ Hare, still using the fake accent, explained too her that he merely wished to pay his respects.

Audrey wasn’t buying it. “Cut the act O’ Hare  I knew it’s you. Honestly, did you really think wearing a different suit, sun glasses and a beard was going to fool anyone?”

Al dropped the charming demeanor and scolded her for trying to blow his cover.

“It wasn’t that hard. You were hardly unnoticeable O’ Hare. So why are you here, really?”, she asked, arms folded.

“I just told you   ”, he said, spitting out some hairs. Al ripped the false hair off his face. “I swear  Every time I speak with this thing on, I end up swallowing some of this stupid, fake hair  And to answer your question, Audrey. I only wish to see Ted. I have a right you know  I am a citizen of Thneedville. No matter what people think of me.”

As much as she hated to admit, O’ Hare was a citizen. An unwanted one, but a citizen nonetheless. That still didn’t make up for all the wrong he had put the deceased through. Not to mention the parts he forced her too play in them. Just the thought of him walking into that room and seeing Ted in that coffin made her feel sick. She had half a mind to say he had something to do with his death. Then again, revenge was never her thing. That didn’t prevent her from trying to stop him.

Aloysius was becoming enraged. Was it so wrong that he view the body? Was Ted’s family going to lynch him as soon as he was spotted? Was he not trying to make up for his wrongs by working alongside the mayor? He was trying to change. He put the weapons manufacturing plan to rest and had constructed an actual company. He knew now that going through with his initial plan would be futile. Ted was gone, therefore, he had nobody to do battle with. As painful as it was. Aloysius O’ Hare would have to lead a life free of corruption and greed. He even tried to convince Audrey of his good intentions. It didn’t seem to help.

“You may mean well now, O’ Hare but this city knows your ways. You’ll be back on Sin Street before we know it.”

“Why would I do that now? I have no one to stop me. Without Ted my life as a criminal is finished. At least I’m trying to make up for my ways ”, he exclaimed.

“By selling illegal weaponry for the city?”, Audrey asked, still not convinced.

“It’s a legitimate business now  And I have a right to see Ted  ”, he stammered.

Audrey threw her hands in the air and told him to do what he wanted. “Just go out there then and see what happens. You’ll be shown to the door before you even get past the first five people ”

“Why do you and everyone else hate me  ? I did nothing illegal   If it wasn’t for me, this city wouldn’t even be here  My air product saved millions of lives  ”

“You could’ve just planted some trees instead of trying to control people’s thoughts and lives.”, Audrey added.

O’ Hare fuzzed and fumed over what she had just said. Of course he could’ve done that. Maybe he made a mistake, maybe he had just recently thought it over. Maybe he was wrong but didn’t want to admit it. Had any one in the whole city ever thought about that? Surely someone as intelligent as Audrey could see this was a possibility. Unfortunately, she couldn’t. Because it wasn’t just what he did when he was in control. It’s what he did afterwards. The constant harassing, the kidnaping and torture that he’d put both of them through. The break ins and stealing and general all evil that he was involved in. None of this would ever be forgotten.

In the end, she suggest that he leave and come back when the place was empty. O’ Hare didn’t take to kindly too this. He would see Ted Wiggins now or not at all  

“Fine  Go out there and see what happens  Like I said, you won’t get very far.”

Al looked up at the teen with a look of pure dislike. He knew exactly what would happen. It would be just as she had said. It was pointless to argue with her anymore. And so, without saying a word, he departed from the closet, disguise once again in place. The short man waved to several people, dismissing his embarrassment.

Audrey came out a little less flustered then before. After a short breath, she went back and stood next to Eric. Neither spoke about the incident in the closet. Shortly after this, they were greeted by a tearful Ronald Schlook.

Ronald was one of Ted’s closest friends. They had known each other since they were six. In truth, Ronald was one of the ‘Lame People’ in school. Only Ted truly understood him, though at times their friendship would be blocked by peer pressure. That didn’t mean they weren’t friends. Ted was very insecure back then. The thought of being bullied frightened him too no end  Even as peaceful and perfect as Thneedville seemed to be, there were always lumps in the pudding.

If you didn’t know how to sing, couldn’t play sports, ride a monocycle, own a Whozit or liked trees. Chances are you were picked on. Ronald was one of the few outcasts until he got a Whozit for his birthday. Ted was one of the few that didn’t have one and for that, he was teased. His voice squeaked when he sang so again he was teased. If it wasn’t for his monocycle expertise, he would’ve been just like Ron, before he got a Whozit.

Ronald and Ted had spit up but still remained good friends. The one picture that Ronald had of him and Ted had become a priceless treasure too him. He wasn’t sure exactly who took the picture and it didn’t really matter. The photo was of him and Ted when they were kids, possible seven and eight years old, Ted being the oldest. The picture showed them riding their Uno Crafts. It was this picture that Ronald had brought and left next to Ted’s casket, along with other gifts and keepsakes.

Ronald had taken Ted’s death very hard. Even he didn’t think it possible to see his friend in that coffin. He’d gotten as far as the first picture before he broke down. By the time he met the family, the teen was in tears and shaking uncontrollably. As Ronald related his experience to the other two, Eric felt ashamed. He too had journeyed into the visiting room. He stood in line as he waited for his chance to view Ted. He was only five people ahead but at the last minute he left. Now that he had heard of Ron’s own visit, he felt deeply embarrassed. Why had he not found the strength to continue on as Ronald had? He honestly didn’t know.

“Don’t blame yourself, Eric.”, Audrey said as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “I had my own difficulties. It’s hard to see Ted in that box.”

“Then how come I didn’t go all the way  ? You did and so did Ron  Why couldn’t I ?”

All Ronald could say was that it may have been too difficult for him. Audrey and Ted were very close. If she hadn’t seeing him, she would’ve been deluding herself. Ronald hadn’t seen Ted in a good couple of months. His family had left the city to go on vacation. When they came back, they were faced with the aftermath. Eric on the other hand had spent more time with Ted then he had. Perhaps it was just too hard for him to face it. This was normal for a friend to see another dead. Eric understood what he was trying to get at, it still made him feel guilty. His best friend was dead and he couldn’t find the courage to face it, let alone view the body.

“Don’t take it so hard, Eric.”, Audrey said. “We all grieve differently. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t see him. The only thing that matters is that you’re here.”

Eric smiled at her as they embraced. As the tears flowed, Ron stood erect, as if he’d seen a ghost. Audrey was the first to notice this change in the teen’s demeanor.

“Is...Is that who I think it is?”, Ron said as he stared blankly towards the front.

Audrey, believing it was O’ Hare, couldn’t fathom why he would return. Without a single word, she turned in the direction Ronald’s gaze was centered on. She froze, unable to speak. From the entrance came a tall, slender man decked out in pale green. His blue eyes wondered about the place like a lost lamb. He was in a sea of humanity that was strange to him. Not once had he visited Thneedville. The very name of the city filled him with mental strife.

Once a concept for a theme park had been converted to a thriving metropolis. In the years after the Truffula planted, the old man had thoughts of going to the city. His self imprisonment had been suspended. He could’ve journeyed into the city at any given moment. It was fear that bound him to his Lerkim. Fear of what might happen if he did enter the city. Would he be recognized? Would they shun him away, cast him out like a renegade? All these thoughts swirled within him to the point that he stayed where he felt safe.

After learning of Ted’s death, he pondered aimlessly over wether he should go or stay. The dilemma haunted his ever waking moments and followed into the evening. The old man would toss and turn at night. When the Lorax came to visit him, he told him the terrible news.

“I see”, the orange dwarf sighed. “I felt it, you know. When that cloud of smoke rose from the city. I felt something horrible had happened.” The Lorax lowered his head in mourning.

The Once-ler shared his feelings in the same manner he had with Audrey. He partially blamed himself for the teen’s passing. And just like her, The Lorax scolded him for such a thing. How was he too know this would lead to the boy’s demise? Not even him in all his mystical power could ever have foreseen such a tragedy.

The Lorax asked his friend what he intended to do.

At the time, he was uncertain of his next course of action. The short fuzzy man asked if he was going to the funeral. He looked down at the mustached creature as if he had just said a horrendous joke. “Are you mad Mustache ? Do you have any idea what would happen if I showed my face in Thneedville? Me, the Once-ler, inventor of The Thneed? They’d crucify me ”

“What makes you think that, Bean Pole? How long has it been since your exile began? Over a hundred years ago? I doubt they even remember you. Besides, what you destroyed has been repaired. Perhaps it is time to fully forgive yourself, and your not going to accomplish that by hiding in this hovel of yours.”

The Once-ler knew he was right. The Lorax’s wisdom was far beyond his own intelligence.
Rather then arguing with the little fellow, which he knew wouldn’t end with him as victor. He decided to think it over, something the Lorax didn’t care for. He’d used the same line after the Swomee- Swans left the valley all those years ago. This time he wasn’t going to sit around his Lerkim and think up the possibilities, he was going to have to make a decision here and now.

Grabbing hold of the pink Thneed scarf, he tugged it downward until both were nose to nose. “Look here, Bean Pole. Enough thinking. You either do or don’t ”

The Once-ler thought it over briefly. He didn’t know how they would react to his presence, or if they would remember him. What mattered now was his decision. He could stay in his Lerkim and feel sorry for himself, or he could go out and show his respect for the one that released him from his sentence of seclusion. If it wasn’t for the Lorax, he might have stayed. If he had gone that route, there was no doubt he would’ve regretted it for the rest of his life.

The trip wasn’t the most subtle journey. The old man had to drag out his wagon, the very one he used to travel to the Truffula Valley. The hard part was getting it to move. His mule, Melvin had pulled it many a times. However, after the destruction of the valley, he had left along with the other inhabitants. The Once-ler never found out what became of his old friend. Thankfully, with the help of the Lorax and a heft Bar-Ba-Loot, he was able to use the old cart. The chubby bear had to be coxed with some Truffla fruit dangling in front of him. The adult Bar-Ba-Loot seemed to joy the slight teasing and went along with it.

It took close to six hours to reach the city limits. From there he went on foot. He was surprised to see the streets so empty. It was the first time he’d been in Thneedville. The name alone brought back memories. Some where good but the majority were bad. Still he pressed on and finally arrived at the funeral home.

The parking lot was packed with cars. Many citizens were out in the front, which made the Once-ler a bit nervous. What if they recognized him? How would they treat him after all these years? As he drew nearer, he was surprised to see them welcome him. Perhaps they didn’t know who he was.

As he walked up to the entrance, a short fellow wearing an outlandish suit and hat came out. His face was towards the ground as if he didn’t want to be seen. He thought he knew the person. Something about him brought back a sliver of recollection. Who he was, he couldn’t figure out. He assumed it was one of the million acquaintances he had when he was younger.

Once he walked through the double doors, he could see just how many had come to pay their respects. The scene was overwhelming and he had second thoughts about going any further. If it wasn’t for the three teenagers that came up to greet him, he might have followed the short man.

Audrey was overjoyed to see him. Indeed she was shocked but happy all the same.
“I knew you would come.”, she said as she hugged the elderly gentleman.

“You might say, the little guy knocked some sense into this old melon of mine.”, the old man said.

He made a comment about how many people had come and that he felt like a sheep among wolves. Audrey convinced him he was safe and led him into the room where Ted laid.

The Once-Ler walked slowly down the hallway, tilting his hat in a gesture of friendship too others. No one seemed to recognize him and that took some of the worry away. The main thing that plagued his thoughts was how was he going to react? He’d never been to a wake in many a years. He couldn’t even recall the last one he was at. At least the people around him were friendly and showed great respect. It was the thought of seeing Ted in that casket that troubled him so.

“It’ll be okay.”, Audrey told him as she guided him.

“We’ll be here for you.”, Eric said.

The moment of truth had come and it was a nasty one as well. Even through the crowd, the old man could see the maroon casket among the bouquets of flowers. At the beginning of the line there was a table that housed a basket with cards and a box for donations. The Once-ler reached into his coat pocket and took out fifteen cents. The very same coins that Ted had given him all those years ago. He felt it right that he should give it back as a token of his thanks.

Against the far wall were several pictures of the deceased. One was of Ted holding up a trophy he’d won at the Thneedville CycleThon. The old man looked at the photos as tears welded up in his eyes. This was it, his friend, the first friend in many a years, and he was gone. Other photos and flower arrangements were set against the wall. Half of them were from people he never knew. Though it brought some comfort to him, seeing those lives that Ted had touched. It was still was a grim reminder of what awaited him at the end.

The line moved on as he approached more bouquets. Neatly arranged on a table were several items that described the way the teen had lived. Pictures of friends and family, thank you cards from various citizens, an old stuffed bear, which happened to be Boba. There were two things among them that caught the man’s eye. A pair of small, hand made plushes. Each one made of the likeness of Ted and Audrey.

‘It’s a girl, isn’t it?’, the Once-ler’s voice echoed through his mind.

It was almost second sight when he said that on the second meeting. He knew a boy his age wouldn’t be after a tree for himself. Even though Ted denied it at first, the old man knew the truth. With a shaky hand, he took hold of the two dolls and held them. He loved Audrey so much. He recalled the day he brought the doll to him, how mangled it was. It was fixed and looked even better then before. If only ones life could be mended up with needle and thread. He put them back on the table, wiping the tears from his eyes.

As he neared the coffin, he noticed the color. Ted’s favorite color was red, he’d told the old man this several times. At least they tried getting the same color. As he walked up to his family, Norma embraced the old man. It had been such a long time since he met her. One might call it a romance or mere puppy love. Sadly, it didn’t go according to plan.

There were times when he wanted to tell Ted the truth, that he really was his grandfather and that Margie was his daughter. It wasn’t an easy thing to say and he wanted it to be done right. Now it was too late and he would most likely take the secret too his grave. Not even Ted’s father, Kyle knew who the old man really was. The Once-ler decided to keep it to himself as he shook the man’s hand. Facing Ted’s mother was a chore all it’s own. Could he tell her the truth during such a time? He choose not to but hugged her all the same.

The moment of truth had come. Once-ler moved toward the kneeler and faced his friend. Ted laid within the casket, a ruffled, blue trim covered the right section of the coffin. Inside, arms folded and coved with a black cloth with the Wiggins Family seal engraved on it. Once the funeral had ended, the cloth would be draped over the deceased’s features as was part of Seussian custom.

The teen was dressed in a tuxedo and red bow tie. The Once-ler got down on his knees, placed his hands over his face and wept. The sheer sound of it brought tears to others. Here was a man who once thought only of personal gain. That person had left and now the true person, the man he used to be was once again whole.

Placing a hand on the lifeless form, the old man bowed his head. For the first time in many a years, the Once-ler prayed. When he was finished, he got up, looked at the family and friends. Without a word he embraced each and everyone of them and took his leave.

Audrey followed close behind him, thanking him for coming. She knew in her heart Ted would’ve been proud of the old man. It wasn’t easy for someone like him to show his emotions openly like that. The good news was, he wasn’t ashamed.

“Mr. Once-ler? “, Audrey called out.

“Yes?”, he said, turning to face her.

“Are you staying for the funeral? I know Ted would want you to be their.”

He had thought about it and had packed supplies for a nights stay in his wagon. He would never ask Ted’s family if he could stay for the night. That was out of the question. What was offered seemed even more so. Audrey asked if he wouldn’t mind  staying at her house. The look he had was of shock and disbelief. He didn’t know how to respond at first.

After a minute of silence he shock his head and politely refused. He felt it was too much to impose himself on anyone. Audrey felt it would better then camping out in an old, dusty wagon.

The old man chuckled, “That old, dusty wagon and I have seen many adventures. No, I think it best that I travel by myself.”

Audrey was puzzled. Why did he want to confine himself from others. His long penance had been lifted so why condemn himself even more. She wanted to know why and she wasn’t going to leave until she got an answer.

Knowing how determined she was, he asked her to walk with him. If she was to know the answer, it was better if only she heard it. With a nod of her head, she went with the old man. Once they were far enough from the funeral home and all other distractions, the Once-ler told her something that he’d kept too himself for a long, long time.

*****

Back in the days when the valley was teaming with life. Back when the Once-ler was young and contempt with a meager life of outdoors and inventing. After the Lorax had appeared from the stump and kept a close eye on the tall human. He met a girl in what was then called, Greenville, on his third trip to the town.

While he was busy washing off the remains of the airborne salad the citizens were ever so eager to toss in his general direction. It was here, at a fountain he was using to rid his body of the leftover tomatoes, that he met her. She was a gorgeous and finely dressed nineteen year old with curly brown hair and glasses that rode upon the bridge of her nose. Her name was Norma, Norma Wiggins. The Once-ler was captivated by her presence and before either one of them knew it, they were dating. Every time he came to the city, they would meet at the exact same spot.

She was there the day he’d given up on his Thneed. Little did they know how popular his invention would become. The thought of making money intrigued but hadn’t yet taking over the young man. Norma was happy for him but stressed the difference between following a dream and allowing that dream to corrupt ones thoughts and deeds. In many ways she was the voice of his conscious. And as much as he wanted to become rich, he remembered the promise he’d made to the Lorax. He was even content with the small tent he was working out of. This all changed once his family came into the picture.

His mother, Beatrice was a manipulative soul with the desire to make lots of money without lifting a finger. Her own husband, Charles had tried to stay for the sake of the family. He saw the way she treated their first born and it troubled him too no end. Sadly, after several failed attempts to reach his wife, she threw him out. Once-ler was so young at the time, he didn’t know what was really happening. His mother’s side of the story was dark and bleak. She constantly told him what a waste of life his old man was. In time he began to believe her lies. Everything Charles tried, wether it was phone calls or a gift were sent back too him one way or another.

Without a father figure, Once-ler was forced to endure his mother’s constant ribbing which almost always ended up as a form of criticism. It got so bad that all the boy thought of was making her proud. A typical chore that all kids labored on in their youth. However, this innocent thought became an obsession. So, when his family arrived at the Truffula Valley, things went sour.

For one, his mother didn’t care for Norma. Nor did she fancy the Lorax or his promise. Harvesting the tufts, which was partly Norma’s idea, sickened her. The tedious job got on her nerves and she decided to get her son to use more direct methods. Of course, Norma was shocked when she heard about it. The idea of cutting down trees without planting new ones was monstrous. So, she tried convincing Once-ler about changing the way things would be done. Beatrice didn’t take too kindly to this advice and told Norma to leave her son alone. Constantly telling Once-ler she was a bad influence on him. This was the start of the dark times.

As the trees were being chopped down, two at a time, Norma tried talking to the Once-ler. Unfortunately, his Aunt Grazelda  played bouncer for her boss. She’d done the same thing to the Lorax some weeks ago and no one had seen him since.

The more she fought against his family, the further they pushed her away. The Once-ler would often have to sneak out at night just to be with her, but that would soon change as well.

Beatrice’s nagging and coxing were causing the Once-ler to change the way he lived. No more was he sleeping in the tent. He found a nice apartment in the city and his connection with the valley was slowly deteriorating. He saw less and less of the animals and concentrated more on his business. While this was going on, his mother had a direct line to his ear and convinced him to move out of the apartment and take refuge in his factory. By moving him from the city, she could create even more distance between him and Norma.

Once-ler was working in a small office during this time and his mother was irrate about it. Telling him to get out of the tiny space and move into a bigger one. He liked his office the way it was and saw no reason to have a larger space. This didn’t stop her from having one built. When he finally moved into the bigger office, he hated it. He took his small desk and several bits of furniture and moved them into the larger space.

By now his Super Ax Hackers, an idea his mother thought up, were busy chopping Truffula after Truffula. That’s when the suits were made and again, he hated them. The long, green gloves made his arms itch and the ties nearly straggled him. And when Norma saw him in it, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The fancy office and now the fancy garments made him look like a different person. His attitude changed as well. Whenever they went out he talked of nothing but money and his Thneeds. The innocent, young man she had fallen in love with was slowly dying. In his place was a power hungry monster that cared little for life. He was happy with the life he had chosen. Unlike a certain miser’s love, she stood by his side. That is until the valley was wiped clean of almost all life.

One by one the animals fled and soon the Lorax himself took his leave. Not long after that, his family left him alone, his mother disowning him. The Once-ler was quite alone in the world and soon he would discover two things, both would turn his world upside down

While going through certain account books, most of which belonged to several charitable causes. He discovered that his aunt and uncle had been stealing funds from the account. Pocketing access cash that was to go to worthy causes. Even his mother had her hands in the charity kitty. It seemed only his brothers remained loyal too him. At time Bret and Chet looked sad, as if they wanted to tell him something but where afraid to let it out. Now the truth was right in front of him and he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

The second thing was Norma herself. She was pregnant and still wanted to raise a family. Once-ler was so full of grief and guilt that he felt unworthy of having a family of his own. The last time he saw Norma, he was building a Lerkim out of what remained of his decaying factory. She’d given birth to a baby girl, who was no more then three months old. He hid in the shadows like a homeless man, afraid to face her.

“Her name was Margie.”, the Once-ler said as he finished his story.

“Margie? You mean...”

“Yes, Margie is my daughter, which means that Ted is my grandson. I didn’t know it at the time but now I do.”

He went on to say that Norma would send him letters and pictures of their child. One such picture hung on the wall of the parlor, dust covering the glass.

When he first met Ted, he had no idea who he really was. Once he discovered his last name, he knew for a fact that he was his grandson. He had a family all along but failed to see it. Now, one of them was gone and he never got to tell him. Even Audrey was baffled by his silence. Why hadn’t he told him before.

“Because, I was afraid he wouldn’t understand. He might have thought it was some insane notion from a crazy old man’s mind. Anyway, it’s too late now. Ted is gone and that’s all there is.”

“You could still tell your daughter. At least you can get it out instead of bottling it in like you’ve done.”, she said.

He smiled at her. Truly she was a wise and caring person, much like he was back in the day. He told her he would think it over and walked her back to the funeral home.

As she left him, he smiled at her, “Perhaps it is time to tell her the truth. Though now isn’t the time, but soon, very soon. I promise you.” With that he walked away.

*****

Alan Sills was in his office looking over the calendar. There were several more visitations booked and he had to arrange them. It was a simple enough task and only took less then forty minutes to accomplish it. However, his concentration was interrupted by a banging nosie coming from the front entrance. He thought this rather odd since the place had been closed for close to three hours.

As the constant banging continued, Sills got up from his desk and walked the short distance to the front. His voice was loud and annoyed as he tried speaking over the racket. Alerting whom ever it was that he was coming.

A few turns on the deadbolt and the thick, wooden door swung open. Before him was a pair of doors enclosed with a narrow plain of three inch thick glass. The knocking on the door caused an unnerving rattle. He told the person the obvious and said to come back tomorrow. The reply was somewhat peculiar. The person on the other end told him he couldn’t, something about the funeral taking place the next day.

There was only one visitation, the largest one he’d ever held. He looked at the man behind the glass but his features were distorted. He unlocked one of the double doors and opened it to get a look at the untimely guest. He was surprised to see who it was. There standing before him was quite possibly the most unlikeable man in all of Thneedville, Aloysius O’ Hare.

“Oh, it’s you.”, Sills said with an unpleasant tone. “The family warned me about you, something about not wanting you anywhere near the deceased. I don’t blame them, after everything you’ve done to the boy.”

“Fine, I’m a bad man, I deserved to be spanked. Now will you let me in, please.”

Alan shock his head, telling him he should’ve came earlier.

O’ Hare’s eyes flared with anger. He told the slender gentleman that he had tried but a certain red head stopped him. He also pointed out that he was a citizen of the city and that he had a right to see the deceased, no matter what was said about him.

Sills choked back a laugh, “Funny you should be talking about rights, O’ Hare. You missed used yours, even after your stay as mayor was canceled.” He went on to describe some of the rights he took away from the people. How he made Ted’s life a living hell. How he kidnaped both him and his girlfriend, the list went on and on.

“Stop bringing up the past  ”, Al shouted, disgust dripping from his lips like under brewed coffee. “Look, just let me in for five minutes.”, he said.

Alan Sills looked down at the little man, his lips pressed together as if to keep the words from flowing out. He once had a deal with the man. His funeral home was going under do to lack of funds. Aloysius had given him a large sum of money, money he didn’t intend on getting back. That was before greed had totally consumed him. In a way, he did owe him a favor, even if he detested the action. Nevertheless, he allowed him entry but cut the five minutes down to three.

O’ Hare said not a word and walked in.

He followed Sills into the visitation room. The lights were adjusted to a low dim. Apparently he didn’t want to attract attention and who could blame him. The last person anyone wanted to see was him, especially now.

Nobody in Thneedville trusted him now, except the mayor and even he was on shaky ground with him after trying to study the corpse of the Mauler creature. There was a time when he didn’t care what people thought of him. Now that Ted was gone, Al was becoming mellow. One might say he was changing, becoming a better person. Others doubted he would ever change, just like Sills. In fact, he stood outside the room to make sure he didn’t do anything.

Al rolled his eyes as he walked towards the coffin. The front part was still open, it would remain that way until tomorrow morning.

Even in the dim lighting, O’ Hare could make out the boy’s features. The reddish tint on the casket’s metal structure, the blue ruffled cloth draped across the second half. The Wiggins family crest stared up at the man as he approached. The silver embroidery glistened in the low light. It was the last place he expected to see the boy in. The realization hit him like a diamond bullet, piercing the fabric of his own conscious. This would be the last time he would see Ted Wiggins.

It was funny, after everything he’d done to the kid, he actually was going to miss him. His face turned sullen as he gazed at the lifeless body. The scene remained him of his own dad’s death.

He couldn’t remember how young he was, all he did recall was the look on his father’s dead face. He seemed content, even happy. Young Al couldn’t fathom why anyone would be happy when they’re dead. It had puzzled him even to this day. And to see a similar look on Ted made him wonder. Did he really have to die? Did he know he was going to die? They were the  same questions everybody else had asked, it just seemed more important too him.

“Hey there Ted.”, he spoke softly. “I bet your wondering why I am here huh? I ask myself the same question. Even now I’m not sure why this is so important too me. I guess I had to face the facts for myself. Look ummm, I know I did some horrible things too you. Now that your gone this probably won’t matter, but ummm... I miss you Ted. You were the only one that ever stood up too me, well besides Audrey. Guess I took it as a challenge. Must sound strange to hear me say this, but it’s true. If I could bring you back I would....”

He was interrupted by Sills, “Times up O’ Hare.”

He looked back at the man and nodded. Placing a chubby hand on the side of the coffin. As he released his hand, something fell from his fingers. After a last, ‘Goodbye’, he left the room.

Outside a car was waiting for him. He turned to see Sills lock up and climbed into the backseat. Once in side his driver asked him if everything went okay.

“Fine, Mich. Everything is going according to plan.” As he said this, a smile crossed his face.