Jimmy's grip on Thomas's hand tightened. "I know it's ridiculous but ... I'm so bloody nervous."
"It's alright." Thomas gave Jimmy's clammy fingers a brief reassuring squeeze. "You can do this."
Jimmy shut his eyes, then, and took a few shaky breaths before he finally managed to speak, his voice trembling with each word.
"Mum? Do you remember that special someone I told you about?"
He threw Thomas a quick side-glance.
"That's him."
Thomas felt Jimmy's thumb rub hard against his knuckles.
"Do you understand, mum? It's a he." Jimmy bit at his lower lip, chest heaving with emotion, when Thomas stepped forward, and smoothly slid to his knees.
"Hello, Mrs Kent. I'm Thomas and I love your son very, very much." He swallowed.
"You can be proud of him."
Jimmy's loud sob broke the silence of the foggy cemetery as Thomas leant forward and carefully placed a fresh white rose on the simple grave before them.