The Cool Room by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 60

Using a picture brought in by the family, Jonathan and Emily concluded their work with a surprising degree of accuracy, bringing the face of the child to life exactly as he appeared in the picture. Emily was amazed that such reconstruction could be done, especially in the absence of a significant amount of bone. Comparing picture to recreation, Jonathan stood back, reflecting on the work they had put into achieving this level of perfection. The embalming was finished. All that was needed was to dress the body and prepare it for display. But after hours of work, Jonathan sat in the corner, drifting off. “Hey,” Emily said.

Jonathan, on the edge of sleep, startled into wakefulness and inquired as to the time. “Forget about the time,” Emily replied. “It’s dark outside, go home.”

He was exhausted beyond his ability to think and getting to his feet he removed his protective garments, grabbed his jacket and left for his car. While walking past Frank’s office, he heard Emily’s voice behind him.

“Drive safe. And get some sleep!” Deciding to stay behind, Emily began the chore of cleanup. As it was with every preparation, cleanup is not only necessary but a legal issue as well. The state made it a habit of performing unannounced inspections looking for health violations. Where there was a septic tank on the grounds, it was inspected as well. Soiled equipment, overflowing hampers and unkempt cremation furnace s were all violations. Fines ranged from the monetary to suspension of business operations and in rare circumstances, criminal charges. Eulogies rarely mentioned God, but certainly cleanliness is next to Godliness, as well as a preventive measure against legal troubles.