“Now yours is a face I haven’t seen here before, lad. First day on the job?” Michael looked up from the garden patch he was tending, to find a friendly middle-aged man looking down at him. He wore a plain looking suit and had an easy-going relaxed manner about him. “Just about. I started yesterday afternoon.” The man nodded, “Makes sense. I come here every day, and I knew I hadn’t seen you before. The name’s Abraham, by the way.” “Michael. Every day… that’s quite a dedication. Do you live close by?” “You could say that,” Abraham nodded, “But even if it were much further, I’d still come. Just to spend a few minutes with my dear wife. It’s been years, but ah, I do miss her so.” “I’m sorry for your loss,” Michael replied, truthfully. “Thank you,” Abraham replied, “It was a foolish accident, but, that’s life, I’m afraid. God willing, we will be together again, though perhaps,” he gave a rueful smile, “Not for several years yet.” Something caught his eyes and he murmured an “Excuse me for a moment,” before heading off at a slow jog. Michael turned to see an old woman making her way through the cemetery, a fresh bouquet of flowers in her hand. She laid the bouquet before one of the tombstones and bowed her head over it. Abraham stopped in front of her, speaking in low tones. The woman replied with a few words, then paused to rub a thin stream of tears from her eyes. Abraham patted her shoulder comfortingly, and after a moment, she turned and walked back towards the road. Abraham watched her leave, then returned to Michael’s side. “Who was that?” Michael asked, as soon as he was within earshot. Abraham gave him an odd look, a strange amusement in his eyes that unnerved Michael. Though not as much as his next words. “Oh, I thought I already explained it. I went to speak with my wife…” Entry for writer's contest