As Murdock, Rose, and Mei Lee said their last good-byes to Collier, the onlookers kept their distance, remaining respectfully silent. After a few minutes, Murdock went to the supplies, which were stacked where he had left them, and selected a shovel head. Then he found a tree of the proper size and cut it. After finishing a handle and affixing the shovel head to it, he returned to Collier’s body. Rose saw her husband standing there, leaning on the shovel. As she studied Murdock’s face, the only sign of emotion she could detect was a single tear rolling down his cheek.
“I’ll do that,” Rose murmured, voice trembling and cheeks wet with her own tears.
Murdock shook his head and said nothing. He focused on Mei Lee, who still sat on the ground holding Collier’s head in her lap, gently strokin
