Perplex was the right word for how she felt.
"Come on over here and look for yourself. There's nothing left. Nothing! Can you believe that?"
He didn't know what to think how to respond so he nodded, nodded said "ahum" while he arose to have a look at it himself.
She had not taken a break like ordered by the doctor but made a phone call instead. After one sandwich and a glass of milk she called for a cab that drove them to the city hall. It was clear they were expected. Without further questions they were told to wait "here" for the one in charge.
Here was a small room. A room that was filled within 5 minutes by a huge old guy, the smell of old beer. He held his glasses with his left hand, a dripping hotdog with his right and pressed some papers underneath his sweaty armpit. He wasn't a charming appearance with his filty skirt, covered with spots of ashes, food rests and who knows what more but the only thing she needed was some support and the truth.
"Well then, mister and misses uh.."
He fell down at a seat and gestured to them to do the same.
He put on his glasses and gazed from one to the next.
"As I understand you like a copy of a birth certificate and proof of this sir's staying at St Mary's during a certain period of his life. I asked for the files and made some copies for you like requested. If you ask me this is all the proof you need. You can study it here if you like. If you excuse me I am in a hurry.
He handed the papers over, hesitated if he should shake hands. His were trembling would they notice? Abrupt he turned around while scratching at the wart at the inside of his hand and left the room.
A handful
Device: mobile phone
Egg timer: set at 10 minutes
Grammarly ran - slow connection
Prompts used: ashes, charming, people, support
nice article