Caroline fights to keep a collected expression on her face as the casket is lowered into the ground—and she bites her lip until she tastes blood when she feels herself slipping. There are too many people around her that she needs to be strong for, she tells herself. She cannot let them down.

She meets Damon's eyes. He doesn't look any worse for the wear, but she can see it in his eyes. He has always been an open book to her, and right now, she can see that he is slowly falling apart.

She holds a rose in her hand and waits until Stefan bends over to drop his onto the casket before doing the same. The process continues, but she's not paying attention. Her eyes are on Damon, who is also holding a rose, awaiting his turn.

She slowly moves to stand next to him, and moments after he drops his rose, she fills the empty space in his hand with her own.

He squeezes tightly and pulls her close.

When, at last, people start making their way out of the graveyard, Caroline takes one last look at the newest headstone before leading Damon away from the heartbreaking sight.

They go to her house because they, by silent agreement, decide Stefan needs time to grieve separate from his brother.

"Can I get you anything?" she asks when they arrive, breaking the silence of the past few hours, as she takes off her coat and sets down her purse.

Damon just shakes his head, his face blank, his eyes dark and full of emotion. He stands stiffly in her living room, looking more lost than she's ever seen him.

Caroline decides they can both do with some rest, so she leads him up to her bedroom.

She eases off his black jacket and leads him over to the bed.

He lies on one side, fully clothed in his new suit. She moves to the other side and lies facing him in her new black dress.

"I miss her already," he whispers, reaching once again for her hand.

This time, it's her who squeezes back. "Me too," she answers as she finally lets the tears fall.