“Mrs. Fredricks,” Cooper began.
She turned to him. “Oh, Cooper. How nice of you to come. I’m sure Derrick would be so pleased.” She offered him her hand, dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief she held in the other as she did.
Derrick could see Cooper was trying to maintain composure. He was also trying not to look at the coffin. “I’m so sorry. I…” He swallowed hard. “I know how difficult this must be for you.”
“Yes, yes, it is. A mother should never outlive her child. You remember Larry?” she asked, turning to Derrick’s brother. “Larry this is Cooper. You know…Derrick’s friend from up north, the one he skis with on occasion.”
“Yes, Mother, he was at my wedding, remember.” Larry took Cooper’s hand and looked deeply into his eyes. Derrick felt he was trying to let Coop know he underst
