Martha?” Valerie called out, her voice faltering slightly.

Martha reached the edge of the open plot and planted her body directly between the casket and the workers.

“If you move that machinery another inch, you will have to bury me along with it.”

The funeral director hurried over with an anxious expression.

“Ma’am, please step back from the mechanical equipment for your own safety.”

“That man inside is my son,” Martha stated firmly.

“I understand that you are deeply emotional right now,” the director replied gently.