This wasn't Kallen's funeral. It was Neo's funeral.
Back in the underground tunnel, Kallen and Neo had successfully attacked Redneck Boy, creating an opportunity for everyone to escape. All those who could leave had seized the chance.
Only Kallen and Neo had been dragged before Mr. Luther by Redneck Boy's hair.
Then Kallen had stayed, and Neo had left.
Before leaving the tunnel, Neo had removed his mask-yes, the face that belonged to him;
then he had torn off all his skin and deliberately exposed himself to a little pollution, leaving his entire body festering with pus.
He hadn't done this to score points with the higher-ups, but to obscure his identity.
Because he hadn't come out as himself, but as "Kallen."
His purpose had been to preserve Kallen's official identity within Order.
Kallen fell silent.
Neo had been certain he would return. He had even anticipated the practical problems Kallen would face upon returning and had been willing to sacrifice his own identity to preserve Kallen's.
Most importantly, this decision hadn't been carefully deliberated. He had probably made it as he turned to leave, right after Mr. Luther chose Kallen.
Neo asked, "Hey, are you crying?"
Kallen shook his head and answered, "No."
Neo raised his head again, facing Kallen with his blood-red face, seemingly searching for traces of moisture at the corners of Kallen's eyes:
"How can you not cry?"
"Why should I cry?"
"If you cried..."
"What would happen?"
Neo raised his bandaged hand and waved it gently,
then said:
"I'd laugh at you. What's there to cry about? It's no big deal."
"And now?"
Neo pointed forward and said, "Damn it, cry! Cry your heart out!"
"Heh heh heh."
"Come on, let's head back to the dormitory building. Time to hear your story. Most importantly, I