HUNDRED TEN

SPECIAL CHAPTER TEN: OPHELIA COTTONWOOD

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special chapters serve to shed light on the perspectives of minor characters, providing insight into their roles in the unfolding narrative.

The silence in my house was heavy as I folded my last dress and placed it in the box. Each piece of clothing held memories, but they felt distant now.

The box was full, and I closed it with a sense of finality. I lifted it, its weight grounding me, and carried it to the corner of the room.

Placing it down gently, I stepped back and took in my surroundings. This was the last time I would see this place.

I turned and waltzed out to the backyard garden. The early morning light cast long shadows on the greens.

My eyes settled on the upturned ground. It looked so peaceful, like it could be just another part of the garden. But I knew what lay beneath.

"I'll be coming soon, Alaric," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The words hung in the air: a promise and a farewell.

Then I felt that famili