They stood by the reception desk, their “funeral faces” firmly in place—kind but restrained. Too wide a smile and they risked conveying a party vibe. Too solemn and they would appear cold and uncaring. Priya admired how calm and collected they looked, but she also sensed the dual current running beneath. Moksha was getting its first taste of exposure outside the tiny community they’d been serving, and it was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Puppa caught Priya’s eye and beckoned her over. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “Priya, beta, check this out. All the business cards are gone!”
Priya stared at the empty cardholder, then looked at her parents excitedly. She could not remember a single time that they had run out of cards. Catching the pride in Puppa’s voice, Mumma adjusted her posture, lifting her chin as though the missing business cards granted her a new level of prestige.
“Le, joyle,” Puppa quipped. “One pet funeral and she’s acting like royalty.”
“Maybe we should get her a tiara from Lady Whiskerbottom’s collection.” Priya laughed.
It had been a long time since Priya had laughed like that—light and genuine. She quickly slipped on her “funeral face” as a group of guests passed by, but deep inside, something shifted. A moment of joy had found its way through the cracks. As she stood there beside her parents, Priya thought that maybe, just maybe, with enough of these moments, she could emerge into the light again.
Twenty-Nine
By the timePriya arrived at Knight Estates, a small crowd was already gathered at the family’s private cemetery. Brooke stood by a small grave with her father, a hot-pink hat perched perfectly on her head to honor Lady Whiskerbottom’s signature color. Her father rested his hand on her shoulder. His hair was neatly combed back, and his dark suit gave him an air of quiet command.
Catching sight of Priya, Brooke motioned her over. As Priya stepped beside her, Harry Knight turned toward her. He had always been a distant figure during her childhood visits; now he seemed to assess her with quiet curiosity—the woman who had not only accompanied his son to the estate but was rumored to have been involved with him. After a beat, he gave her a polite nod.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” the officiant began, clearing his throat. “It was my privilege to serve as Lady Whiskerbottom’s spiritual counselor.” Chuckles rippled through the crowd, and he met them with an easy smile. “You may laugh, but she truly had a gift for tuning out the world and finding peace in any situation.”
He painted a picture of feline paradise—eternal sunbeams, catnip fields, and endless napping spots. Around them, a fewreporters quietly snapped photos, capturing the ceremony. When it was time to lower the casket, Brooke sobbed openly as she dropped in a final offering: Lady Whiskerbottom’s favorite toy.
Harry Knight shifted uncomfortably beside his daughter, uncertain of how to comfort her. Priya stepped in, gently squeezing Brooke’s hand and guiding her inside for the wake. The manor greeted them with its familiar grandeur—the sweeping staircase, ornately framed paintings, and marble floors covered with thick, luxurious rugs. Sebastian welcomed them with his signature calm demeanor, while Harry bid Brooke farewell.
“Have a…good wake,” he said, with a stilted hug. Nodding at Priya, he disappeared down the hall.
Sebastian led everyone into the conservatory—a bright, airy space with sweeping views of the estate’s gardens. As guests gathered around Brooke, Priya gave them space and wandered to the refreshment table. She nibbled on a slice of sharp cheddar and had just popped a grape in her mouth when Brooke called for her.
“Do I look okay?” she asked, dabbing her eyes. “I’ve been asked to do a quick interview for a pet magazine—” Before she could finish, her phone rang.
“Ethan!” Brooke’s face lit up as she answered. “It went well. Really? You tuned in?” She paused, listening intently, then glanced at Priya with an apologetic smile.
Priya smiled reassuringly, then motioned that she’d be right back. She stepped into the hallway, her smile fading the moment she was out of sight. It didn’t matter that Ethan wasn’t there in person. Just hearing his voice, even through Brooke’s phone, brought it all back. She leaned back against the wall, her heart racing in a way she still hadn’t learned how to control.
“Miss, are you all right?”
Priya turned to see Sebastian regarding her with polite concern. “Hi, Sebastian. Sorry—I mean, yes. I’m fine. I just need some fresh air.” Nodding toward the exit, she continued on her way.
As she rounded the corner, her phone pinged with a message from Deepa:Call me when you’re free.
Priya speed-dialed her sister. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Have you been on social media today?” Deepa asked.
“No,” Priya replied with a sinking feeling. “Is something wrong?”
“Far from it! Moksha’s account has blown up. Lady Whiskerbottom’s funeral put us on the map!”
“That’s cool, Dee, but let’s be real. Most of these new followers are probably pet people. Puppa made an exception for Brooke. We had to meet a lot of regulations—separate rooms, equipment, protocols…It wasn’t easy.”
“But everything’s set up now, right?”
“It is. But that doesn’t mean Puppa’s switching gears. You know he’s all about serving the community.”
“True,” Deepa said. “But you know what else he’s all about?”
“Money!” they shouted in unison, dissolving into laughter.
Priya quickly lowered her voice as a guest strolled by, glancing at her. “Listen, Dee, I have to go,” she said. “I’m at Lady Whiskerbottom’s wake.”
