The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the quiet area. The crisp autumn air blew, gently rustling the leaves that had yet to change colors.
Lariette didn't know how long she had been hugging Ruediger. His arms around her were tight as if he didn't want to let go. His body trembled, but she heard no cries.
'I never thought... my first meeting with Chairman Alvord would turn out this way.'
Despite not being in Ruediger's shoes, the accusations from Chairman Alvord was damning enough. Lariette couldn't imagine the extent of Ruediger's pain over the past decades—from being blamed for his mother's unfortunate death.
"My mother died protecting me, her son. And you, my father, have never forgiven me for surviving."
A pang of ache struck Lariette's heart as she inevitably recalled what Ruediger told Chairman Alvord before. The deep anguish in his voice carried the rawness of his pain and grief.
