Page 83 of Violent Delights

“A tombstone that looks like an opened book,” she says, directed toward the grave. “Just plain and simple, with no silly quote. I bet you’re glad they didn’t bother with any of that nonsense.”

She gets back up on her feet, still smiling.

“He hated it when people expressed themselves with quotes,” she explains, wiping away her tears as she turns to me. “He always called it lazy.”

I smile. “Smart man.”

“He was, very straightforward, and a great mentor,” she tells me. “I’m going to miss him.”

I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer, while she finally gets a chance to grieve the man who was more than just a boss to her.

We stay for a few more minutes, standing mostly in silence. I want to give her all the time she needs, and wait until she asks to leave.

“Goodbye,” she says as we turn away from the grave.

Her words are heavy with meaning, addressing not only her former boss but an entire life she leaves behind.

Then we turn to head back toward the car and the new life that awaits us

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