The sun was barely up, its rays so timid they hadn’t made a start on the heavy frost that coated the grass. It coated the grave too, giving the black headstone a white dusting on its top and shoulders. Richard Maddox sat facing it, still enough that he could be made out of stone himself. He only moved when a stranger’s voice punctured the scene.

‘There’s a beautiful view over there. You can see the whole of West Hythe, right down to the sea. It almost feels like you can see the whole world!’ The stranger sat down on the same bench and Richard shuffled enough to edge away from him. He didn’t reply. He wasn’t here to talk or make new friends. ‘Angela Maddox,’ the voice continued, and a man’s pointing finger loomed into his periphery. ‘Your wife?’

Richard turned to the man now. ‘Do you have someone here you wish to see?’

‘No. Just the view.’

‘The view isn’t here, is it?’ Richard’s gaze lingered on him. He didn’t think he had seen him here before. The man was younger than him – twenty years younger, he reckoned – which would put him in his late forties, but Richard was finding it more and more difficult to get ages right. The man was well dressed. A smart overcoat and trousers, leather gloves and two-tone shoes that were mostly brown and classic in style. That would be the word he would use to describe him overall – classic. You don’t get many younger men dressing well these days. He had a beard that was mostly consumed by patches of grey, the edges shaved so sharp it almost looked fake. His facial hair matched his hairstyle: short, neat and grey. He was tanned too, maybe from a bottle or a salon; he certainly looked like the sort of person who might waste his time on a sunbed.

‘No. I didn’t mean any offence. I’m sorry, you looked sad. I mean, I know we’re in a graveyard, this is where people come to be sad after all but … I’m sorry, OK. I’m an idiot sometimes, I guess I just thought I could cheer you up maybe. There’s this “pay it forward” thing about at the moment. Have you heard of it?’

‘No.’ Richard was back facing out. He was doing his best to look like he wasn’t interested in engaging.

‘No, well, basically you try and do a good deed when you can. For no reason, for no reward, just to help the world become a better place one good deed at a time.’ He fell silent then snorted a laugh. ‘Stupid idea really. I suppose it could be an excuse for some people to put their nose where it isn’t wanted. I didn’t mean to upset you.’