Being Dead

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In the sand dunes of Baritone Bay lie the bodies of Celice and Joseph, a middle-aged couple married for over 30 years. They return to the seacoast where they first met, only to be brutally murdered by a thief. Their remains go undiscovered for a week, succumbing to the elements and scavengers. Yet, there is a poignant beauty to their final position, with Joseph's hand resting gently on Celice's leg, suggesting a lingering devotion even in death. Despite the horrific circumstances, their love seems to transcend their physical demise, embodying a quiet peace that defies the violence inflicted upon them. The narrative shifts focus from the murder to the broader theme of death itself. Alternating chapters explore the couple's last moments, moving backward in time from the murder, revealing the seemingly mundane choices they make that ultimately lead to their tragic fate. Other chapters progress forward, depicting their vacation and the growing concern as they fail to return. It takes six days for their bodies to be discovered. The author intricately details the natural processes of decay, illustrating how crabs, birds, and insects assist in the transition from life to death, emphasizing the cycle of existence and the enduring bond between the couple even in their final state.