“I know.

I saw it before the cremation.”

I closed my eyes.

Patrick used to joke that I was the only person permitted to take it off him.

I had always answered that he would need to hold still if he wanted me to help.

I told Samantha to honor his wishes as far as the arrangements allowed.

I did not know enough about the process to question every detail of what she said.

After the calls ended, I remained in the kitchen until the light changed.