Chris tilted the entire umbrella over Rose's head, just like he'd done countless times before when he'd accompanied her to visit her parents' graves.
Half of his shoulders were already soaked through, and in his hand he clutched a bulging paper bag packed with crisp white chrysanthemums, plus the pastries and wine her parents had loved when they were alive.
He didn't dare step forward uninvited, just stood quiet at the edge like a child who'd messed up and come to make amends.
"I didn't buy too much, just some flowers, and the things your mom and dad used to love."
Rose fell silent for a few seconds, then gave a small nod. "Put them down."
Chris breathed a huge sigh of relief. He hurried forward and arranged the offerings one by one, slow and careful.
When he finished, he stepped bac
