The Shadow Within by Serra Rose

Author:Serra Rose [Rose, Serra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Serra Rose

30

Thomas

Thomas knelt to Isaac’s level. How am I supposed to do this? As he pulled a small cloak around Isaac, a wave of heartache threatened to drown him again. Graeme’s hand squeezed his shoulder, as if to remind Thomas of his presence.

“Isaac, I have something important to tell you,” he said.

Isaac’s chin lowered as he peered at Emma in the roughly made coffin. Her eyes were closed, and she looked asleep, peaceful. A blanket that Amelia had gifted to her was wrapped around the small body of his daughter. Thomas had cleansed her with lemon-and-lavender-infused water. Then, with Amelia’s help, he had chosen a light blue dress and brushed out her hair.

Isaac’s brown eyes, so much like Emma’s, lifted to his, “Why is Mother still asleep?” He asked. “Should we get a cloak for her or my sister? They will get cold.”

Thomas swayed. Amelia gave him an encouraging nod.

“God has taken her soul to heaven,” his voice broke, “and your sister.”

“But she’s right there.”

“When we go to heaven, we leave our bodies behind,” Thomas said. “She is in an eternal sleep.”

“When will she come back?” Isaac frowned.

“People who go to heaven don’t come back.”

“She isn’t coming back?” Tears welled up in Isaac’s eyes, “But I want her to wake up. Is she angry at me?”

“She’s not angry at you. She loves you very much and will watch over you.” Thomas laid one hand over Isaac’s heart, the other over his own, “She will always be with us, in here. But for now, we have to say goodbye to her. To both of them.”

Thomas didn’t try to fight the tears that flowed. Isaac touched his face. Still hurting from where Graeme’s fists had connected, Thomas pulled his son’s hands away, “Don’t cry, Father.” Isaac wrapped his arms around Thomas’s neck.

“We can,” Thomas smiled. “We’re going to lay them to rest now.” He pointed at the coffin, “We’re going to carry her to the cemetery by the church.”

“Where we can visit her?” Isaacs face was wet.

“Every time we miss her.”

A dark gloom hung over Riverwick, and it had finally stopped snowing. With the help of John and others, James had cleared a path for the cart. Villagers stood watching him with solemn expressions. Amelia held her hand out for Isaac, nudging him to stand by Susanna. Father waited, seated at the front of the cart.

“What is he doing?” Thomas asked, his voice low.

“He’s going to be respectful,” James whispered. “I made sure of that. Are you ready?”

“I’m never going to be ready for this,” Thomas muttered.

“We’ll be with you every step of the way,” Graeme said.

An ache twisted his insides as he lifted a trembling hand, caressing Emma’s cold hard cheek. Graeme knelt beside him, followed by Amelia and James on the other side of the coffin. Amelia placed lilacs in Emma’s hands, the flowers’ fragrance reminding him of spring.

“You were a sister to me,” Amelia said with a sob. “When I suffered loss, you offered me solace and sat with me for hours over my daughter’s grave.

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