The Collector's Tale
Copyright© 2024 by sinfantasy
Chapter 13: Growing Up
The months passed, and Samantha settled into life at home with her husband absent from the breadwinner’s side. The bakery consumed most of her time from dawn till dusk most days while Maria proved invaluable in managing the household and keeping the children occupied in Ethan’s absence.
The nanny, Maria, had become way more than just an employee over time. She was now a dear member of their family, whom they couldn’t think of living without anymore. Her gentle manners and patience have made her indispensable to not only Samantha but also the children who were as close to having a second mother.
Lately, Lily had especially taken it upon herself to cook, clean, and watch over her little brother since Dad wasn’t around all that often. The two children seemed to be growing up much faster than normal lately for their ages.
Ethan Jr had blossomed into quite the adventurer, always getting into some new mischief or another around the house. From climbing up onto the roof via the tree in the backyard to exploring every nook and cranny of the attic with all its mysterious happenings hidden within every dusty corner.
Samantha couldn’t help but wonder how far it would keep going like this before they’d both be grown adults full-fledged already. Then again, maybe it was for the best if it all passed quickly here, the way things that had been happening lately.
She was sitting alone in the living room, sipping at a glass of red wine one evening after putting the kids down for bed. The reflection of how their lives had totally changed since Ethan’s need to stay away. The what’s, how’s and whys of the situation did not matter to her.
Every time Ethan returned, he carried new scars on his body. She knew he was busy hunting something damnable and it was taking a toll on him. While her heart bled looking at him, she knew her role in his life. She could not help him, but she could love and support him. She could be strong for her family and Ethan.
The depth of loneliness settled over her heart, and she missed him much more than she ever had before. She only wished desperately for just one night back together again where they could forget everything except each other’s love once again. Maybe then things would feel normal here again if only for a little while longer.
As she stood up to go upstairs to their vacant room, however, there was a sharp knock on their front door. Her heart galloping furiously, Samantha ran to see who could be calling that late in the evening. She gasped out loud when opening it revealed her husband standing there just as surprised by her presence too after all these weeks apart.
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