Chapter 8: The Weight of Absence
As the days passed, the family established a delicate routine. Leo began adjusting to the new surroundings, exploring the house with wide-eyed curiosity, while Lily proudly showed him her toys and books. The bond between the twins grew stronger with every passing hour.
However, the emotional toll on Clara remained heavy. She often stood in the hallway, looking at old family photos, feeling like an outsider looking into someone else's life.
One afternoon, Jax found her sitting alone in the backyard garden, pulling weeds with intense focus. Her hands were caked with dirt.
""Clara, you don't have to do that,"" Jax said gently, kneeling beside her.
""I need to keep busy, Jax,"" she said, not looking up. ""When I stop moving, the guilt comes back.""
""Guilt for what?""
""For leaving Lily behind. For letting Leo grow up without a father. For causing you five years of pain."" She dropped the weeds and covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
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Jax pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly. For the first time since her return, Clara didn't pull back. She rested her head against his chest, letting her tears soak into his shirt.
""None of this was your fault, Clara,"" Jax whispered into her hair. ""The flood was an accident. You fought to survive, and you brought our son back to us. You don't owe anyone an apology for surviving.""
