Outside, the cold remnants of an earlier rain were still dripping from branches which had long since lost their bloom. Earlier, Cain had gone to the cemetery during the worst of the storm. Riff fought his common sense with all of his fortitude to hold his tongue and allow the excursion, accompanying his master and protecting him with a large black umbrella. He could not object; it was the anniversary of Suzette's death.
It had been a quiet observance, although both master and servant had been chilled and soaked with stinging rain. Riff had deftly removed Cain's wet things and wrapped him in a warm robe, looking after his wet things while Cain, perched on his armchair, bent over his own knees and deeply pondered. "Riff," he finally spoke.
"Yes, my lord?" Riff's hands continued to work, although his mind was Cain's.
"Did you see many people die? When you were studying to be a doctor, I mean." Riff wrung water from his master's stockings.
"Yes, I suppose I did. Though it has been a long time since I've thought of it." Cain nodded, resting his chin on his kneecaps, hugging his legs.
"You know, I've known many people who have died. I ought to know what people are like when they are dying. I mean in countenance and behavior and attitude. I've seen lots of pets pass away, but it's different for animals. I just don't know. I wonder if people act differently. Do you remember my bird?" Riff smiled as he hung wet garments from a wooden rack close to the fire.
"Yes, my lord."
"But, what is it like? From an outsider's perspective?" Riff stopped and sighed. He folded Cain's white shirt over his arms and leant back against the bedpost, thinking for a minute.
"It is different for many. Sometimes, there is a great struggle, a battle to stay on and live another day. Sometimes, it comes so silently that one can scarcely tell if the sleep is eternal or temporary." Cain's hands fell to his lips in thought. "But, after it happens, for all I have experienced, despite any sadness, there is always a sense of wonder and relief. All the breath is gone. It is an indescribable calm. The struggle of living has ended." Cain's eyes had slipped closed, and Riff quickly returned to his work. "Will that be all, Lord Cain?"
"Yes, thank you, Riff." The door closed noiselessly.