Fandomacc wrote this incredibly touching and moving short story.

Author's note: This is close to me as my Brother is in the Navy and I know there is no conflict, but there is always the fear of you receiving the dreaded phone call. My heart goes out to all who have lost someone in conflict and this is dedicated to you.

She stood quietly in the shadows of other people, wondering how it happened.

Of course there was always the danger, the silent threat in the background as she watched her brother sign his life off to the navy but she didn't expect it to be real.

She didn't expect to be stood in the shadows at her brother's funeral as others walked past her, straight to her parents, who were silently crying into each other's shoulders.

Her hand latched onto her phone, tapping aimlessly at the screen as she continued to just watch. Maybe of she heard his stupid voice mail, she might feel better. Maybe if she could watch a video of them, she might feel happier.

She watched people around the room, acting as if it was just another funeral.

Some people were crying. Some people were talking. Some people were on their phones.

It was quiet interesting to be the one who had been affected rather than one of the observers.

Her heart ached but she didn't let it show. After all, nobody seemed to even notice Joy's presence in the hall.

The irony. Her name reflected an emotion she hadn't felt since the call.

The dreaded call. The horrid words. The day was fresh in her mind as if it had just been burned into her memory.

She remembered her cat lounging about in the back room. She remembered her floral dress she had worn in celeberation of her birthday.

She remembered the tune of her Father's Samsung echoing in the silent room. Worst of all, she remembered her parents falling as the words were said.

And Joy? She was silent. Just like now. Just like always.

Her eyes drifted back to the black coffin lying in the middle of the room as finally, she let a tear slip.

If only the words weren't ever spoken. Maybe then her brother would be hugging her after coming home from the Navy. Just maybe.