Neo began concentrating on arranging the white roses around the gravestone. After standing with him for a while, Kallen turned and walked away, leaving the place to Neo and Elisa.
When he returned to the caretaker's cottage, Old Saman, who had just finished washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen, was cleaning his pipe. Seeing Kallen return, he smiled and greeted him:
"Oh, you made it back alive."
Kallen stood where he was and took another careful look at the elderly cemetery caretaker.
"What are you staring at?" Old Saman asked irritably.
Kallen sat down on the steps, looked around, and asked, "How long have you been working here alone?"
"Nearly thirty years."
"That can't have been easy."
"I don't think so. These thirty years have been very settled."
"Retiring soon?"
"Yes, soon."
"No children?"
"None."
"How pitiful."
"Not really. Plenty of people with children have much more pitiful old ages."
"True."
"Why are you asking?"
"The Pavarro Funeral Society needs a handyman. Once you retire here, you could come work at the Pavarro Funeral Society. The work isn't tiring, and the pay and benefits are generous."
Old Saman immediately shook his head. "No more work, no more. I'm already this old, and you're still thinking of exploiting my labor?"
"Some elderly people feel worse when they retire and have nothing to do. I'm worried you won't be used to it."
"No, no." Old Saman shook his head firmly. "Retirement means retirement. I'll rest properly. I don't want any more fuss."
"All right. You look rather pitiful, so I'll come make you dinner every night from now on."
A smile appeared at the corner of Old Saman's mouth. He turned toward Kallen, who was sitting there, and found him gazing intently up at the starry night sky.
"Heh, so this