"Claude, it's so good of you, to come.", as she kisses him on the cheek.

"Ellen dear, I'm so sorry for your lost. You and Mark are like family to all of us.", as he gives her a hug.

"We felt the same way towards you and Paula. So where is your darling wife Paula?"

"She sends her condolences. Before we were to leave, she got a disturbing call from her sister Louisa, whom you met several times."

"I understand. Hope it isn't too serious. Louisa was always sweet to me."

"Is there anything I can do for you Ellen?", he says quietly.

"Everything been taken care of as you can see. The funeral service today went without a hitch. Mark and I didn't realize how well liked he was by his peers and would be shocked by the attendance."

"He was well loved by the community. We will all miss him dreadful at the office. It wont be the same going into his office."

"It willl get better over time, I guess."

"How's the twins Melanie aand Matt handling the loss of their dad?"

"So far so good. They can't quite understand why their dad wont be able to read them bedtime stories anymore. They are too young to understand everything."

"Probably the best. It was a shock hearing he died of an aneurysm. Mark seemed so healthy."

"It was a shock. He only started complaining about having headaches the past few weeks. Mark didn't think of it being serious since he been working on the Deaver's caseload. It was not alarming for him to get an occasional headache when he was working on a high profile case. You know how studious he can be right before any case."

"Mark liked to be prepared. He did not like to be surprise in court. He went through everything with a fine comb needle."

"Mr. Perfectionist, he was when it came to his work. He left everything as a good lawyer should. His will is current and leaves me and the children in good financial status. The house is paid up. My husband was a good financial provider."

"if you ever need anything, Ellen, call me or Paula. Know that we will always be there for you."

"I know Claude, It all seems so surreal. It's only been a few days, as I keep expecting Mark to walk through the door because he was busy working on a case and lost track of rime. I never minded his late hours since I knew how important his work was to him. I was so proud of him and his work."

"He loved you and the twins dearly. Mark always spoke of his family with such love and pride on a daily basis. His favourite picture was his family together that stood on his desk."

"I miss him so much already, Claude. I think of him constantly as each room brings back so much happy memories of him. How am I going to survive withouth him? He's always been the rock of my life, the one I go for comfort and reassurance.", as tears start to fall. Claude takes his clean handkerchief from his pocket and hands it to her to wipe her tears as he holds her trying to comfort her.

"Ellen dear, you will make it. Mark will always be looking over you and the twins. It wont be easy in the beginning but each day wil get better. The empty void will slowly get better and will be filled with your children love and laughter. They'll need their mother's strength and love who will tell them stories of their devoted dad. You'll never forget Mark as he will always be in your heart.", as he pats her back.

"I know Claude, thanks for listening. Sorry to breakdown in front of you.", as she wipes her eyes and stands back.

"No apology needed Ellen. Sometmes we need to let it all out. Feel free to cry on my shoulder whenever you want.", he smiles.

"Thanks. You are a good friend. Mark and I are lucky to have a good friend like you."

"And as a good friend, we should get something to eat and drink.", as they approach the dining room table laden out with an assortment of food.