I was practically dragging Gabriel. We were almost to the graveyard, our halfway point. Just one more block.

“Come on old chap, you’re supposed to run WITH me. I can’t just run around you the whole way.” I muttered, trying not to disrupt my own breathing as I jogged in place.

I noticed a skinny, bald, black-clad figure leaning against a camping backpack in the red dirt on the edge of the graveyard. They waved at us as we ran. I turnedm but Gabriel collapsed on the way and refused to move. The figure approached.

“Hey Dr. Carp.” I heard in an American accent.

“Good morning, have we met?” I asked, extending a hand. The figure took it.

“Actually, we have. A long time ago… I’m Harmony. Gender neutral pronouns by the way.” They clarified.

“Harmony... I can’t place you. Do you live here in Griffith?” I asked.

“I don’t. I’ve actually come to ask a favor of you.”

That confused me.

“You’re about to meet someone… someone very special to me. He’s just begun his journey.” Harmony continued cryptically, but I understood.

“I’m sorry for your loss…” I didn’t often deal with grieving relatives, but I knew to be respectful.

“His name is Man. I’ve included tribal and family contact information in this book. He’s Maori.” Harmony explained, pulling a red sketchbook from their black hoodie.

“Oh, thank you.” I said and took it.

“Most significantly, though, his body can’t be alone before the actual burial. I know it’s a lot to ask, but at least until you finish your autopsy and pass the body to the family, could you stay with him? It’s Maori custom.” Harmony asked.

I hesitated.

“If you can’t, I understand. You could call a family member, I’m sure we can…” They mumbled but I cut them off. I didn’t know anything about Maori traditions, but I could tell it mattered.

“I can stay with him. I’m glad you told me.”

“Thank you. Would you tell him goodbye for me, too?”

I nodded.

Harmony took a deep breath and pulled the camping backpack onto their shoulders. Gabriel and I watched as they cut gently over the graveyard, careful not to step off the path.

“That was strange, but lovely.” I said.

Gabriel broofed.

I looked down at the dark red book in my hands. It cracked open. Inside was a small card with some scribbled names and numbers, a picture of two kids in a bathroom laughing, and a pressed tangle of small, dried flowers.

[drawing]FlowersforMan[/drawing]