Chapter 15
A family seemed to be enjoying a perfect afternoon in the park. The man was holding up a laughing child, while the woman sat comfortably on a picnic blanket, warmly dressed, arranging the plates with care.
What a picture of happiness, Nathan thought. If only Victoria hadn’t died, and if he were still with Tia Clark, perhaps they’d have a child this age by now.
There was a large lake in the park, and ever since Tia Clark’s death, Nathan had developed a fear of water. Yet today, inexplicably, he felt drawn to it. The lake’s surface rippled with the breeze, and staring at the endless layers of waves made him feel as though he might be pulled into them.
A hurried voice broke his reverie: “Hey, man! What are you doing?”
Nathan turned around to see a face he never thought he’d encounter again.
He stepped back, realizing he was leaning precariously over the railing. No wonder Simon thought he might be contemplating something rash.
The two men stood in tense silence for a minute, until the little girl Simon was holding tilted her head curiously towards Nathan. “Sir, what are you doing?”
“I…” Nathan stammered, his voice rusty from disuse, “I’m just enjoying the view.”
“Well, stand back a bit. You don’t want to fall in. The water’s really cold,” she advised with surprising maturity. Simon remained silent, his expression unreadable. This was their first meeting since Tia Clark died three years ago, after which Simon had given Nathan a thorough beating.
“What a coincidence,” Simon finally said, his smile devoid of warmth, his eyes cold as ice. “Long time no see, Mr. Harrison.”
“Long time no see,” Nathan replied, his soul feeling detached from his body. He noticed Simon’s clenched fists and the innocent face of the little girl. His voice was so faint that even he could barely hear it.
“Have you gotten married?” Nathan asked. “Congratulations.”
“This is my uncle, not my dad,” the little girl corrected, giggling. “Sir, do I look like him? Everyone says so.” “Alright, sweetheart,” Simon interrupted, clearly not wanting her to converse with Nathan. His expression darkened, and the girl obediently wrapped her arms around his neck. “Don’t talk too much with strangers.” The girl rested her head on Simon’s shoulder, sticking her tongue out playfully at Nathan before waving goodbye. Nathan automatically waved back.
So Simon had returned, Nathan mused. He had heard Simon had left the hospital and apparently moved out of state after Tia Clark’s death. Nathan never expected to see him again.
Despite being a doctor, Simon had surprisingly overpowered Nathan in their confrontation three years ago. It was less a fight and more a one–sided thrashing, leaving Nathan with a missing tooth and a reminder of his permanent loss–much like losing Tia Clark.
The pain was unforgettable.
Yet seeing Simon with another woman and a child took Nathan by surprise. He had assumed Simon, like himself, would never love again.
But perhaps it was only Nathan who had chosen to live as a widower mourning Tia Clark–a living monument to his own guilt. Had he not tormented her so, perhaps she wouldn’t have ended her life in the icy water.
Tia Clark had always hated the cold. She had traveled all the way from Southvale for her studies, always wrapped in thick scarves and coats, shivering like a bird resisting the pull towards warmth.
Nathan knew Tia Clark had stayed for him.
Realizing this, he finally understood the depth of his own cruelty and indifference. Tia Clark, Victoria’s closest
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Chapter 15
friend, had grieved just as deeply, but his family had driven away the heartbroken, seeking solace.
Nathan couldn’t forgive his family, nor himself.
As Simon hurried Mia back to the car, he found the heater running and Tia Clark asleep in the backseat. He gestured for Mia to be quiet, and she dutifully covered her mouth.
The car door’s click woke Tia Clark. Rubbing her eyes, her voice was still thick with sleep. “How did it go? Everything alright? Let me hold Mia.”
“Nothing to worry about,” Simon replied, frustrated with his own meddling. Had he known the man by the water was Nathan, he would have ignored him completely. “I was mistaken. Just someone fishing.”
Mia nestled into Tia Clark’s arms, looking up sweetly. “Thanks for taking me out today, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, darling,” Tia Clark smiled, planting a kiss on her rosy cheek. “Did you thank your uncle?” “Uncle wanted to come out more than I did!” Mia teased before softening. “Mom, will you be gone for a few days again after today? I’ll miss you.”
“No, this time I’m back so you can see me every day.”
Three years ago, Tia Clark had nearly drowned. Simon had risked his own life to save her. Her condition was precarious, and without Simon, she wouldn’t have survived.
After years of recovery, she was finally ready for surgery. The hospitals in Southvale deemed it too risky, so returning to Kingsbury City was a last resort. Simon had painstakingly orchestrated her “death” to protect her. Seeing Nathan again had sent a shiver of sweat down Simon’s spine.
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
