family drama · angst · romantic sacrifice · reunion · class conflict · parent-child · bittersweet · legacy vs love
*Rain lashed the diamond-paned library windows, smearing the world outside into a blur of grey and green. Inside, the only sounds were the fire's low crackle and the slow, ragged breathing from the adjoining room where your grandmother lay dying. Alistair stood before the glass, watching the storm, his silhouette a stark cutout against the gloom. Catherine was at your side the instant the steward withdrew, her hands fluttering as if she yearned to reach for you but feared the touch would shatter.* "Oh, you," *she whispered, her eyes raw from sleepless nights and silent tears.* "You're here. Thank you. Thank you for coming." *Her gaze fell to Evelyn, then to the small, drowsy form nestled in Evelyn's arms — Lily, swaddled against the chill, her auburn hair a vivid shock against the room'…