บท 30: Funeral

"My condolences for your loss my dear. She was young and a strong woman and had so many years ahead of her. It's cruel to see her no longer be with us but life is unpredictable." came the consoling voice of a dark clad man to a red haired woman with the same kind of attire.

"Yes, she was strong but death still took her away from me." said Claudia wallowing in the sadness of the loss of her mother.

This was the funeral of Claudia's mother.

Claudia had left Emilié to tend to her mother in her most difficult time, but sadly she didn't make it through. Now Claudia was left alone in this world with no direct related relatives.

She only had her mom. Since she can remember, there was never a man in her life that she could call a father figure but her mother tried everything in her power to give Claudia a happy childhood.

So witnessing, this strong woman who was like a big oak tree, hiding her from storm and rain grew each day weaker until death took her; it made her whole world crumble.

She was still lost in this ocean of sadness, even seeing all those friends of her mother's who adored and loved her mother, come to the funeral to say their last goodbyes; didn't bring her spirit up at all.

The man who wished her condolences was a good family friend of theirs. They were neighbours when she had lived with her mother and he saw Claudia grew up and doted on her like his own daughter; even more than his own son who was of the same age as Claudia.

"Claudia, I know this isn't appropriate at this time but... what do you plan hereafter?" started the man looking at Claudia with doting eyes. "Your mother is gone and you work everyday taking care of a child, never having time for yourself. Did you never thought about settling down and having your own family? My son might not be the brightest as you now, but he is a devoted and gentle man able to give you a warm home."

Overwhelmed by this Claudia didn't now the right response to take. Her mother's funeral was today and she was proposed to marry and settle down. She knew Heinrich had good intention by proposing this, but he was right now insensitive to ask her that on a funeral.

Her mother's funeral.

"I-I'm sorry Heinrich but I-I need to take some fresh air" she choked out those words and run out the venue.

While running out she bumped into a person and had to stop. She apologized "I'm Sorry" and wanted to go around him, when the man reached out his hand with a handkerchief.

Claudia looked at him confused. The brown haired man only smiled hinting her to dry the tears that was streaming down her rosy cheeks.

Only then Claudia realized she was crying. She was standing strong and putting up a front not to cry and holding up her cheery self, but even the strongest will can break when losing someone important.

"Thank you" she said taking the handkerchief and daping her tears carefully away not to smudge her make-up.

"Your welcome. It was nothing from my side on and you don't need to give me the handkerchief back, keep it."

"'snief' Thanks" The man smiled again and turned to go away. "Wait!" Claudia stopped him. And the man turned back with a questioning face.

"Tha-Thank you again" she said politely slightly bowing in a formal way. "I'm Claudia by the way, could this Sir tell me what his name is. I would love to repay this nice gesture someday."

The man looked at her with an unfathomable gaze making Claudia nervous giving her the impression she said something wrong, then it turned back to the usual nice smile. "Thank you, but there really is no need. It was just me giving a crying woman a handkerchief to dry her lovely tears and... my name is Marcus. It was really nice meeting you Claudia." He waved goodbye and went on his way.

Claudia stood there dazed watching his back leaving. It was a short meeting but this man made a deep impact on her mind.

She looked down on the handkerchief and saw the initials M.A. embroidered on it. "Marcus" she murmured and moved her fingers against the embroidered letters. She felt the high quality material of this simple white fabric.

She was sure this man was definitely not simple.