The Consequence Of Us

[Third Person's POV] What the waves returned The morning mist clung to the surface of Howe Sound, gray waves rolling quietly against the rocks. A lone fishing boat bobbed gently, its nets trailing behind. The sea seemed calm—almost indifferent. “Captain… there’s something floating over there,” one of the fishermen called, pointing toward a dark shape near the shore. The boat creaked as they rowed closer. What they pulled from the water stole the breath from their lungs. A woman’s body—pale and still—was tangled in seaweed, her hair drifting like strands of brown silk. Gentle waves kissed her skin, oblivious to the tragedy she carried. The captain shook his head, his voice barely audible. “Call the authorities. Someone… someone will have to identify her.” Word spread quickly. The news reached the city, carried in whispers and headlines. Soon, the world learned of Stella Fraser Clark—her life ended far too soon. --- The church was quiet, save for the soft murmurs of grief. Rain fell gently, almost ceremoniously, as family, friends, and colleagues gathered to say goodbye. Talitha Clark stood rigid, her face pale, lips trembling as she reached for her husband’s hand. Dawson’s arms shook slightly, his fists unclenching only long enough to hold his wife— their shared sorrow heavier than any words could carry. Dahlia, Vivian, Steve, Liam, and Stella’s coworkers formed a silent circle around the grave. Some cried openly, others stared at the ground, helpless and broken. Flowers of every color filled the small plot, petals drifting softly in the wind. As the coffin was lowered into the earth, Stella’s parents stepped forward. Talitha reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a delicate silver butterfly necklace—the one Winston had given Stella long ago. With trembling hands, they placed it atop the grave, the silver catching the gray morning light. It shimmered faintly, like a whisper of memory—a fragment of a life stolen too soon. “She loved this,” Talitha whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks. “She deserved so much more… so much more.” Dawson knelt beside her, laying a gentle hand over hers. “We’ll never forget you, Stella. Never.” The crowd slowly stepped back, giving the parents a quiet moment with their daughter—a farewell that felt both impossible and necessary. Rain began to fall then, as if the world itself were apologizing for Stella’s painful destiny and cruel fate. ——