[Her response drags a smile out of him - quick and glittering - a show of gladness for her respect of cultures that may well be different from her own.]

My sentiments exactly, dear.

[His tone is hushed, respectful, as his gaze flits between the woman who shares the boat with him and the conclusion of the ritual.]

If there's one thing we can be certain of, it's the inevitability of death. Nothing wrong with choosing one's time and going to it with dignity.