The Collector's Tale - Cover

The Collector's Tale

Copyright© 2024 by sinfantasy

Chapter 14: Quit While You’re Ahead

Ethan glanced down at his own hands, clasped together over their kitchen table. Listening to the quiet clinking of cups against saucers and the low murmurings of family laughter. His eyes tracked over each face there assembled around him. Samantha’s radiant smile, Lily’s animated chatter about her adventures in helping Samatha with business, and Ethan Jr.’s adorable little reactions over something Maria had just said.

He felt so full, almost overflowing to the brim with love and warmth, yet amidst it all, there was an undeniable weight settled deep in his chest. It wasn’t what he had wanted anymore, not really. Yes, he had a home now and people who would truly care for him, but at what cost?

The whispers of the dagger still carried in his head, urging him on to take more, to live a little longer. But day after day, Ethan realized that he did not want this life anymore. The illusion of a happy new life was cracking in front of him. There was a shadow of pain behind each smiling face. It was time to accept the truth he had been denying for a while now. His curse was affecting his loved ones.

Ethan stared at his reflection in the distant glass frame. He no longer recognized the guy in front of him. The vivacious man who had started on a new journey was gone. What stood in front of him was the old him, haunted by the choices he had to make, drained out of life and joy.

He remembered how full of hope and optimism he was, when he had met Samantha. Hand in hand, they had started something beautiful. Brick by brick, they had built a life together. But now, his presence was casting dark shadows over the dream they had built.

While technically he was still living here, his family had grown used to his absence. While they loved to have him along, he was not the required piece anymore. Samantha had grown strong enough to manage things without him. The kids had grown too fast, they were responsible and self-reliant.

Maria was a kindred soul who had found herself in difficult times. Samantha had helped her deal with her grief, and to get back on her feet. She had gradually grown to be an integral part of this family, almost being the second mother to the kids. She was the glue, holding things together without him.

Samantha had changed too. She’d become tougher, harder, almost insular. Her passion and fiery manner were replaced by ambition and a cold calculating demeanor. The warm-hearted baker he’d fallen in love with was nowhere to be seen as she attired herself for the role of a ruthless businesswoman. While she had grown successful, she had also closed off the world around her. Her one and only priority was her family and their well-being.

Their daughter Lily had grown up too fast, far surpassing her years even at just thirteen. She spent most of her time helping Maria with the house or helping Samantha run everything. Rather than playing with her friends, she was managing finances to logistics at the bakery. She was smart, intelligent, and overly protective of her younger brother.

Only Ethan Jr remained unchanged. He was still a jolly boy, enjoying his life and playing pranks to his heart’s content. Well protected in the bubble of love, three strong women had built around him. He was no fool though, he had already stepped in the shoes of being the man of the house. It was comical to see him loading the laundry, cleaning the dishes, or trying to fix things. Only to add more work for Maria to clean up behind him.

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