Counterfeit Affection
"What is the deceased's name, and what is your relationship to them?"
I replied, "It's Claire Jensen, and the tombstone is for myself."
That attendant immediately raised his head, giving me a look of deep astonishment. "You're still so young. Did you come here by yourself? Why isn't your family with you?"
I recalled my estranged parents and Henry, who was preoccupied with his true love. I replied softly after a moment of silence, "I'm sorry, but I don't have any family."
That attendant ultimately remained silent. Instead, he quietly met my gaze with deep compassion as he processed and completed all the necessary formalities.