The smell of heavy lilies filled the quiet room of the funeral home, but the silence was shattered by a wild, desperate scream.
Clara: She's not dead! Stop this right now!
Evelyn: Someone get this crazy girl out of here!
Clara: I am not crazy! She is still breathing!
Clara stood near the entrance in her bright orange and white hospital uniform, her hands shaking as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Arthur: Have you lost your mind? You're ruining my mother's funeral!
Clara: I heard her crying, Arthur! I was in the back hallway and I heard her!
Mourners in black suits shifted uncomfortably, moving away from the floral arrangements as Clara pointed a trembling finger at the polished white casket resting at the front of the room.
Arthur: My mother passed away three days ago in her sleep. The doctor signed the papers!
Evelyn: Security, drag her out! She's just a low-level hospice worker looking for attention!
Clara: You shut her in there! You did this for her money!
Arthur took a step forward, his expensive tuxedo straining as he clenched his fists in absolute fury.
Arthur: Say another word and I'll have you arrested for trespassing and defamation!
Clara: Look at the casket, Arthur! Just look at it!
Four mourners froze in place, staring at the white wood under the dim spotlights.
Mourner: Emma... did you hear that?
A low, dull thud echoed from inside the heavy wooden lid. Then came a sharp, desperate scratch against the silk lining. Clara gasped, dropping to her knees as Arthur's face turned completely white in wide-eyed shock.
Arthur: Did you... did you hear that sound?
A jagged crack split right through the top panel of the white casket, revealing a tiny dark opening to the horror waiting inside.