Brutus dreaded arriving in Tarsus, he knew Porcia had regained some of her strength, but also was aware she was not prepared to see her father’s body. It would destroy her. Yet, soon enough they both arrived to the somber scene. Porcia was treated with reverence as she joined with her son, her brother and Marcia. Brutus stayed to the back of the occasion, knowing that Cato had no love for him.

When Porcia stood next to her son, she grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. Holding back tears from her brown eyes, the same brown eyes her father had in life. Marcia looked despondent as ever, her eyes were waxed over from mourning. Marcus’ face was engraved with a stoic and grave expression, very similar to his grandfather’s in similar situations. Cato’s servant, a studious looking Greek, arrived to the family.

“His body is ready to be seen.” He said. The three nodded morosely and followed the Greek into the tent. Upon seeing her father, Porcia’s face turned white as her body concealed a shudder, Young Cato shook his head at the sight, seeing how his face was grim and unmoved, even in death, Marcia bowed her head politely, and Marcus continued to look grave.

Porcia, Cato’s only soul mate, was brave enough to approach the corpse. His eyes were covered by two coins to give to the boatman. Tears crept in her eyes as they beheld the body of her father, the trembling and shaking returned to her. Marcus noted this and turned inward again, hiding his grief. Marcia had stayed back from, unable to bear the sight. It was Young Cato who approached behind Porcia, steadying her while his own eyes were loath to look at the sight before him.

When the cremation ceremony was to begin, they were escorted out again as Cato’s body was being placed on the pyre. Young Cato continued to hold Porcia steady, and the family watched as his body was burnt into memory.