slender fingers trace through the air just above the engraved name, unwilling to mar the stone with the oils from her hands, willing the earth to keep this spot safe for as long as it were able. it was all she had left. a small stone atop the steadily growing grass. she hated it here. the silence felt too big, too loud, but it didn't matter. this wasn't about her. or maybe it should be. she didn't know anymore, her life felt as though it was falling around like the embers of a fire, the lies of her mother the match. swallowing, she drops to her knees, delicately placing the carefully arranged bouquet at the base of the stone. fingers brush over the soft petals, a frown pulling between her brows. " i miss you. " the words are torn from her lips in a breeze, carried away. perhaps her mother simply did not want to hear them, had willed them away from her. sighing, fingers bunching into fists, pulling away from the flowers just in time to ensure she did not crush them. " this is all bullshit. why did you LIE to me ? " the words were out before she could stop them, heat staining the tips of her cheekbones, suddenly coming to the realisation that she wasn't actually alone. clearing her throat as her eyes catch the other woman's, attempting an embarrassed smile. " i am so sorry... i didn't mean to shout... " the sudden breeze dims and then fades completely, fingers brushing the dirt from the knees of her jeans as she stands.