Chapter 8: Shadows in the Home

Days turned into weeks after Alex's untimely death, and the weight of their loss continued to hang heavily over the family's cottage in Cedarbrook. While they had clung to each other for support in the immediate aftermath, the passage of time revealed the toll that grief had taken on their family dynamic.

James, who had always been the stern but steady presence in their home, found himself profoundly affected by the loss of his son. The pain of losing his heir, his pride and joy, had left a void in his heart that seemed impossible to fill. To cope with his overwhelming grief, he threw himself into his work as a merchant, often spending long hours away from home.

The long hours turned into late nights, and James became increasingly distant from his family. He buried himself in the demands of his trade, as if the endless transactions and negotiations could provide some semblance of solace. But his absence left a noticeable void in the family, and the warmth that had once filled their ho