SWNOVELS Chapter 1326
Dorothy lifted her eyes, their movement stiff and awkward. "Everett, I... I don't know how to express what I'm feeling right now..."
She had dreamed of growing old with Everett, of being there for their son and daughter forever.
But-
She couldn't bear the thought of her happiness being built on someone else's suffering.
"I understand," Everett said, his voice soft and comforting as if he were soothing his daughter. He gently rubbed her back. "What's done is done. We can't go back, even if we wish we could."
If he could turn back time, he would never have allowed Quincy the chance to poison, and then Kenneth would still be alive.
But he was only human, not a deity.
He didn't have that power.
"Dorothy, Kenneth said his last wish was for you to take the antidote, to recover, and to live well," Everett continued.
Silence.
"Don't let him have died in vain, okay?"
It took a long, long time before Dorothy, held in his embrace, finally nodded slowly.
...
The day of Kenneth's funeral dawned overcast and gray, as if it might rain.
Dressed in black, Dorothy went directly from the hospital to the funeral home.
For the sake of privacy and peace, there was only one service scheduled there that day. Only Kenneth's family, friends, and former colleagues were allowed inside.
"Dorothy."
Karen, who herself needed support to stand, made her way over to Dorothy upon seeing her.
In just a few days, Dorothy had become almost gaunt, her cheeks hollow, her voice weak.
"Karen..."
"Don't go up front later," Karen said, her voice laced with worry. "My brother's family-when they see you-"
"He paid with his life. How could I
Venet
not pay my respects?" Dorothy managed a weak smile. "They blame me, hit me; it's what deserve."
Karen was about to protest when Jeffrey interjected, "Honey, Everett's here too. He won't let her get hurt."
Silence.
Karen glanced at Everett
by
black and chose to hold her
side, both dressed in
peace
s reassurance.
Everett gave Jeffrey a look, signaling him to take Karen inside first.
Once they were alone, Dorothy finally spoke, "If later...if Kenneth's family blames me, please don't retaliate." Everett knew her too well.
"You mean if Kenneth's family curses you, you want me not to react, right?"
"Yes. They're bound to resent me. I want them to vent, not to keep it all bottled up."
"I won't stop them because I know that might be the only way to alleviate your guilt, even if just a little," Everett said, understanding the heavy burden on her heart.
"I can never repay Kenneth in this lifetime."
"Dorothy, he made his choice because he wanted you to live well. Remember what he left you with."
Dorothy's eyes, veiled by long lashes, almost seemed to lose their focus.
Standing here, it all felt like a dream to her!
How she wished to wake up to find her mother and Kenneth still alive.
That no one had to leave her side!
"The memorial service is about to start. Let's go in," Everett said, taking Dorothy's hand. "I'm with you."
She looked up, nodding slightly, "Okay."