Chapter 12
The Elder staggered backward, the truth dawning on him like a heavy shadow. His eyes filled with anguished tears as he covered his face, whispering brokenly to Selene’s lifeless form, “I’m sorry, Selene… I’m so sorry…”
Thorne said nothing, leaning silently against the cold wall.
After a long moment, he finally murmured, “I’m the one who failed her.”
“I’ve arranged passage abroad. Once Marina is fully recovered, I will take Selene’s ashes away from here. You know she wouldn’t want to see any of you again.”
Without another word, Thorne turned and left.
Returning home after so many days, Thorne felt an odd disorientation. The traces of Selene filled every corner of their home, retnnants of eight years shared. Their wedding portrait still hung on the wall, capturing her smile, vibrant and alive.
The sight was painful. He descended the stairs to clear his mind and headed toward the local market.
Passing the neighborhood, he was stopped by an older woman from the community. “Thorne, I haven’t seen Selene around lately. Is everything alright?”
Thorne hesitated before replying softly, “She went to visit family.”
The woman frowned gently, “Strange, last time we spoke, she mentioned your late nights were affecting your health. She asked me to prepare a pot of beef stew to help strengthen you. It’s ready now–perhaps she forgot. Here, please take it.”
Thorne accepted the container with mixed emotions. “Thank you.”
He walked back into the quiet house, finding the silence oppressive. He had always been reserved, speaking little at home. But Selene would fill the void, chatting endlessly about daily events and small matters. Though it often irritated him in the past, he now found the silence unbearably painful.
He jumped slightly as the door opened. “Selene, you’re back…‘
His voice trailed off immediately as he saw Theo standing in the doorway, who tossed his bag aside sullenly. “Dad, I’m hungry.”
Unwilling to cook, Thorne ordered food delivered through the town messenger.
Theo took a single bite before pushing the food away, scowling. “It tastes awful. When will mother return?”
Thorne sighed deeply. “We’ll have someone else cook tomorrow. This will have to do tonight.”
Theo didn’t respond, merely retreating silently to his room.
The next day, Theo awoke late, immediately shouting, “Mom, why didn’t you wake me up?
As soon as the words left his mouth, he remembered Selene was gone.
Theo fell silent, slowly getting up and tasting the bread prepared by the hired cook. He immediately spat it out. “I want mother’s cooking. This doesn’t taste the same.”
Silence again filled the house.
Thorne didn’t respond. Theo, realizing the truth, stopped his complaints.
After a long pause, his eyes reddened. “Dad, when exactly will mother return? You said she’d come back after a few days.”
Three days.
According to Thorne’s experience, Selene should have reappeared by now.
