Too Soon
Kate gently rest her head on Rick's shoulder as they listened to the eulogy for a man who died too soon. Rick, in return, tangled his fingers with hers, and squeezed lightly. Kate had always disliked funerals; having to say goodbye to someone who, in her mind, was long gone. Dealing with death everyday had left Kate almost immune to it, except when it was someone close. In this case, it was Rick's good friend, Stephen Cannell.
The service wrapped up, and everyone slowly left. Some stayed behind to offer condolences, others to share memories of the man. Rick and Kate went to speak to Stephen's wife, and to say sorry, before they left the funeral.
In the car on the way home, Kate finally spoke. "Life's unfair."
"You're not wrong."
"He shouldn't have died."
"A lot of people shouldn't."
"I'm sorry, Rick."
"I know."
"The world suffered a great loss with this."
Rick looked over at Kate, watching her as she drove. "The world suffers a loss every time anybody dies."
Kate glanced at Rick. "Yeah," she agreed.
Rick placed a hand on Kate's leg, and the rest of the drive was made in silence.
A/N: RIP Stephen J. Cannell. The world will miss you.