(Author’s POV)
The sky was slowly darkening, stars beginning to peek through the fading twilight as the cool air surrounded them. Alexander still hadn’t turned to face his sons, but something in the silence had shifted, grown heavier, more fragile.
Then, it was Ian who broke it, his voice uncertain but honest.
“We thought… if we stayed away, it would hurt less” Alexander remained silent, his gaze still lifted skyward.
“Every year we remember her. Every year, we miss her. But facing you, this house, the memories… it was like reopening a wound that never healed” Ryan continued softly.
“We were angry, Dad. At fate… at ourselves… maybe even at you for not falling apart like we did” Owen, with a clenched jaw, said in a quieter tone.
Asher, who always masked his feelings in sarcasm or sile
