The Sound Inside the Coffin
Nobody moved.
The coffin remained suspended above the grave.
Atlas continued staring at it.
Titan stood beside him like a living wall.
Henry looked from the dogs to Colonel Samuel Reed.
"What do you mean they know something?"
Samuel didn't answer immediately.
His old fingers tightened around his walking cane.
"I've known Atlas for years."
"He doesn't behave like this."
Henry swallowed.
"He was Grandpa's dog."
"Exactly."
Samuel slowly approached.
Atlas immediately stopped growling.
The enormous dog recognized him.
Samuel placed a trembling hand on Atlas's head.
"Easy, old friend."
Atlas looked into his eyes.
Samuel whispered,
"Let our captain rest."
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then Atlas slowly released the rope.
The pallbearers exhaled.
Titan stepped aside.
The coffin began descending again.
Henry closed his eyes.
Then Atlas suddenly barked.
Loud.
Urgent.
Straight toward the coffin.
Samuel froze.
Everyone turned.
"What is he doing?" someone whispered.
Samuel stared at the coffin.
"Stop."
The pallbearers halted.
Samuel walked closer.
"Open it."
A military officer looked shocked.
"Colonel, that's not possible."
"I said open it."
Henry stepped forward.
"Why?"
Samuel looked at him.
"Because your grandfather never trusted anyone with his final arrangements."
Henry frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Samuel lowered his voice.
"William told me something three days before he died."
"What?"
Samuel stared at the flag.
"He told me that if Atlas ever refused to let him be buried..."
He paused.
"...we were not supposed to put him in the ground."
Henry's face changed.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I thought he was being paranoid."
Samuel looked toward the coffin.
"Now I'm not so sure."
A military funeral officer reluctantly approached.
The coffin was brought back above ground.
The family gathered around.
Samuel looked at Henry.
"Before we open it..."
He lowered his voice.
"There is something you need to know."
"What?"
"Your grandfather believed someone was trying to kill him."
Henry stared at him.
"My grandfather?"
Samuel nodded.
"And he was afraid the person responsible would come to his funeral."
