Lucas slipped into the row at the back of the church and sat down. A number of faces turned to see who the latecomer was, and turning back to their neighbours began whispering. More faces then turned to stare at him, but he looked stolidly back and refused to show any emotion in his own face.

The music started and everyone stood as the coffin entered the church, followed by the clergyman and a few family mourners, whose seats were at the front of the church.

As they sat down again, Lucas looked critically at his father who was poised, ready to take the service. There was no indication he was about to conduct the funeral for his late wife. Lucas switched off and let the service pass over his head, until it came to the eulogy.

Curious, he listened to what his father had to say. As he had expected, there were words about how his wife had always supported him, and provided a happy and stable home, when so many others had suffered from broken relationships. He continued by saying that their one disappointment was not to raise a family. At this, there was an audible intake of breath, and again many faces turned to look at Lucas, a few with sympathy, most out of curiosity for how he would respond.

Lucas stood, nodded to the man acting as sidesman and said, “I’m sorry, I seem to be at the wrong funeral,” and walked out.

Outside, Adam was waiting for Lucas. One look at his face and Adam walked back to the car and unlocked it, Lucas joining him. They drove away in silence.

Back on the main road, Adam asked, “Where to?”

“There’s a Gregg’s just off the bypass, can we stop there?”

“Of course.”

As they entered the Gregg’s, Lucas said, “You go and find a table, I’ll get the lunch. What do you want? Coffee and a baguette?”

“Please. And a doughnut, I’ll leave you to choose.”

“Will do.”

Adam knew it would take a while for Lucas to decide which cakes to buy, of which, given the circumstances, he knew there would be several, so, as soon as he’d sat down, he took out his phone to check for messages.

He wasn’t surprised to see there was one from Andy, Lucas’ cousin. It was Andy who had sent Lucas the details of the funeral arrangements, and also arranged for them to have a reserved car parking space to the side of the church, in case there were problems. The message said, ‘Uncle continued the service when Lucas left without acknowledging him at all. Happy to have helped, but currently denying any knowledge of his presence. Will be in touch later. All the best.’ Adam sent a quick ‘Thank you’.

Lucas joined Adam holding a large number of paper bags of cakes. “Once you’ve eaten, can we go home?” he asked.

“We can go straightaway if you’d like,” Adam said.

“No, I’m quite safe here. You eat your baguette. I’ve got myself one which I can eat in the car. In the meantime…” Lucas hunted through the bags and selected an apple pastry, which he began eating.

Adam wondered at Lucas’ first sentence, but realised all he meant was that none of those who’d been at the funeral would go into a Greggs, and therefore he wouldn’t have to face any of them.

He ate his baguette, then stood up and said, “Ready?”

“Definitely!”