Most of the time Oren was in a suit around Seagram Tower, but when he went out into the city on his own time he liked to dress more "him." Today, that meant jeans, leather jacket, and a sweater. It was one of those days when he was going to change at least four times before the day was out, though, since he had dinner plans with Giselle at eight. Still, he didn't mind heading out with Cordelia. She was good people, and he'd never tell anyone they couldn't go along with him unless he had private business, a rarity. He wasn't really the most outgoing person, but he certainly didn't mind company. Especially not company so happy and energetic. He enjoyed her banter and bubbly chatter quietly, smiling and nodding or offering a few words when required and necessary. For the most part, however, he let her run the conversation. Oren was more of an observer and an introvert. He only hoped he wasn't too boring for her, though she'd been warned in advance.
It was a fairly expensive yet relatively simple and understated wreath that Oren had selected to bring to the cemetery that day. He led her to the Sanderson grave, one name etched into it: Dominic (1952-2000). His mother wasn't there. She hadn't been married to his father, impregnated by the scientists at Willowbrook Asylum back in the day. Her body was buried on the campus that he couldn't even think about without his stomach churning. Whenever he visited this spot, though, it was as much for her as it was for his father, with whom he'd spent thirteen years before alcohol had taken him. It was a shame, going like that after surviving so much. But Oren had learned then that you couldn't make people stay alive if they didn't want it. There was no forcing something like that. The will to keep going came from within. Crouching, he laid the wreath on the grave, his fingers brushing over the letters.
"I've never brought anybody with me before. I'm sorry if I seem rude." He looked up over his shoulder at her. "I just don't really know how to do this. It just seemed the thing to do, coming today. Veteran's Day. Even if he was part of a war that most people don't know we're fighting and dying for." He turned his eyes back to the grave.