Chapter 115: Brief Reconciliation
The heavy conversation caused Irene and Arne to both be struck with exhaustion. However, it was that on top of all the traveling the two kids had been subjected to the days before that really did them in. Arne hadn’t been sleeping well in the carriage and Irene had been on the monster culling trip where she had spent a lot of energy and didn’t eat very much for a couple of days.
Rochelle sat at the bedside of the large bed in the guestroom she was forced into and she watched both of her children sleep peacefully. A contemplative expression was on her face as she stared at their gently rising and falling chests.
At least they seemed peaceful because, when Irene was first in the room, the anger she held was palpable. She hardly said a word to her mother but it was probably better that way than saying the things she clearly wanted to say.
It was a hard reality to face that Rochelle and her daughter would probably never see eye to eye. Then for Irene to go into the line of work that had nearly taken Arthur from her on multiple occasions, she didn’t know how to face her daughter with anything more than disapproval. It was easier than the fear she was feeling.
The woman was exhausted as well—both emotionally and physically. But before she could seek sleep herself, she felt the door creak and a warm hand on her shoulder.
A left hand. Because that was all her husband had left.
The sting of tears was felt in her eyes but she pushed it away as she looked up at Arthur.
"What is it?" she whispered.
"Shall we continue the conversation?" he whispered in return.