Swan Song (Sequel to Aria's Addiction)

>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>You shift uncomfortably in the leather chair provided in the office.
>The only other chair aside from the more luxurious one placed behind the desk in front of you.
>Behind the desk is a large window, offering a massive view of Canterlot Cemetary below.
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>The grandfather clock to your left continued it's steady pace, echoing in the otherwise quiet room.
>Bookcases adorned both walls, filled with books you cared not to look at.
>Even though it's been years since you've last had to be here, it felt like it was too soon to be here again.
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>Too soon...
>You never expected to be here again so soon.
>And for-
>The door behind you creaks open and you hear footsteps tread across the soft carpet.
>"My apologies, Anon. I had to make sure I had all the paperwork."
>A heavyset, middle-aged man comes into your view as he slowly walks over to the desk.
>His bespectacled eyes are glued to a folder that he absentmindedly flips through.
"It's no problem, Mr.Rites..."
>Your voice was raspy and cracked, a product of lack of sleep.
>And lack of liquid that wasn't a form of alcohol.
>Mr. Rites places the folder down onto the desk and slides into the chair, as it creaks under his weight.
>He leans his elbows on the ornate desk and studies you intently.
>"Anon, my boy. As much of a nice young man you are, I was hoping I would never have to see you again, especially under such circumstances."
>He opens the folder again, while using the other hand to retrieve a decorated fountain pen from his desk.
>"That being said, I trust I do not need to go through all the procedures and regulations with you?"
>All you can muster is a weak nod.
>The large man opens the folder and sets to his work, scribbling notes in some papers.
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>"And how many will be attending, Anon?"
"One."
>You hear the pen stop.
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>"Just One?"
>Another weak nod is your only response.
>Mr. Rites heaves a heavy sigh as he places the pen down and removes his spectacles.
>"Anon, listen...You don't have to go through with this again. I know how hard it was the first time. I was there with you."
>Concern is evident behind the man's eyes.
>"I don't do this with a lot of my clients, but I'm not talking to you as a caretaker of these grounds. I'm talking to you as someone who sees what you've gone through."
>His words, while they sound comforting, do little to mend anything.
>They just get sucked into what seems like a black void, leaving nothing but an echo of what they mean.
>"There are other options, Anon. Cremation is cheaper than burial, and we offer some very nice urns to car-"
"Money is of no concern."
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>"I understand that, Anon. But-"
"It's what she would have wanted."
>Your eyes cast down to your lap, where your hands lay. Trembling.
"It's...It's the least I can do for her..."
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
>You hear Mr. Rites heave a heavy sigh.
>"Very well, Anon. We'll find an open plot and plan accordingly."
>The scribbling resumes, battling the grandfather clock for dominance over the silence of the room.
>After what seems like an eternity of writing, Mr.Rites voice echos in the room.
>"Name?"
>...
>I'm sorry...
>I failed you...
>I killed you...
>"Anon? Name?"
>Tick...tock...tick...tock
"Aria Blaze."