"Hi, Bertha, I'm Bennett's wife, and my name is Claudia Marshall. I came to visit you unexpectedly, and I didn't bring anything with me. I hope you understand."

Her voice was gentle and carried a warm tone. Despite the chilly night breeze, Bennett felt a warmth in his heart.

He gazed at his mother's photograph on the tombstone and solemnly introduced, “Mom, meet Claudia, my wife, and the woman that I love."

Finishing his introduction, he took Claudia's hand and gently told her, “Let me handle the cleaning. Don't get your hands dirty."

Claudia pulled her hand away from his and said, “There's no way your mom's tombstone could dirty my hands. It's already impolite of me to come empty-handed. Let me do this. Speak to her, and share your feelings. I promise not to listen."

She raised her hand, pledging, "Trust me, I won't eavesdrop."

Bennett, amused by her antics, gazed at the photo and asked, "Isn't she lovely?"

She just had a bad memory.

Claudia's cheeks turned rosy and she whispered, "Please, don't flirt in front of an elder!"

They were in a graveyard after all. Couldn't he maintain some courtesy?

Bennett couldn't contain his chuckles upon hearing her.

His hearty laughter echoed in the still night, prompting Claudia to quickly silence him.

"Quiet down! Don't laugh so loudly. Someone might be watching over the graves at night!"

He raised an eyebrow in curiosity and said, “How'd you know that?"

She pulled back her hand and glanced around, slightly on edge.

"I...

I heard that from others.”

"You sure are well-informed."

Claudia's face reddened again as she resumed cleaning Bertha's gravestone.

Once she had meticulously cleaned every inch, she bowed to the gravestone.

Bennett watched her, and the weight on his heart from the evening seemed to lift.

Claudia was really good at coaxing.

The cemetery's evening breeze was chilly. Fearing Claudia might catch a cold, Bennett suggested they leave.

Claudia turned to look at him and asked, “Aren't you going to talk privately with your mom? Should I step away for a bit?"