Funeral

Funeral held in auditorium. Speeches are given. First by the Dean, who was known to have an extremely antagonistic relationship with the Boss--there was no rancor on the Boss's part, just a need to insert absurd into the daily life. Remember once the Boss complimented the Dean on his haircut. The Dean is perfectly bald and not one to embrace the absurd (despite his passion for Star Wars.) Next to speak is fellow art critic and hisorian, very tall in elegant gray suit. He apparentlly fashions himself a raconteur, telling stories about what seems to be New York in the 1930s (this can't be right). At one point he takes microphone off of its stand and pacing around stage. At this point am forced to withdraw conscious mind from surroundings and retreat to inside of head. While leaving, remember that The Boss once said--quoting somebody else, I think a poet--that sitting in the auditorium feels like being inside a cantaloupe. Thsi begins very long train of thought which ends in in burning desire for a Smoothie. The last person to give a speech is the Vice Boss. She wears a neat black suit and has her hair swept back. She is also wearing black hose which, for some reason, makes the Contessa shudder but which doesn't bother me. What does bother me is my own outfit. Only own one suit, in navy blue. Haven't worn since Sigrid's wedding last summer. Fortunately have no trouble buttoning pants, but coat little tight under the arms. Spend most of day praying that sudden movement won't cause seams to pop. The Vice-Boss's speech ends up being quite moving--she tells funny stories and then gets choked up--whiwh we all do. After the funeral at the reception, the Vice-Boss becomes herself again and seems quite surprised when neither the Contessa nor I have any inclination to go back up to the office again. Never mind, she says, You can take the rest of the day off. It is 5 p.m.