Happy Birthday, Kim. The challenge word is Touch and Kim's New England requested connection comes from Salem and the 1692 Witch trials. Giles Corey was a Salem martyr who was crushed to death for his beliefs and buried in an unmarked grave.
I felt he needed saving and who better to do that than Dean.
Oh and yes, I think there might be a longer story here. The lore is fascinating.
It felt strange to be standing at the graveside, for once a legitimate mourner rather than grave-robber of the long un-rested, un-dead.
But then this was no frenzied salt and burn but more a grateful return from the exile of his unsanctified Gallow's Hill grave of a righteous Salem martyr, to the final peace of sanctified ground.
Dean raised his bandaged hand, his pale, bruised face betraying his pain, and touched the casket.
"Rest in peace, Giles Corey."
His voice was soft, his breath pluming in the cold, crisp air, a wealth of emotion barely concealed in those few words.
Thanks for reading.