Tragedy Strikes

Chapter 2: Tragedy Strikes

Niva woke up to the first light of dawn filtering through her bedroom window. The weight of the previous day's sorrow still hung heavily in the air. Today, she needed comfort and strength to face the days ahead. The cottage felt quiet, and the absence of her mother was a big hole in her heart.

She dressed quickly and made her way to the kitchen. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room, a comforting reminder of happier times. As she reached for a piece, her father, Thomas, entered, looking haggard and worn.

Thomas: "Morning, Niva. How did you sleep?"

Niva: "Not well, Father. I keep expecting to hear Mother's voice, to see her smile…"

Thomas nodded; his eyes filled with unspoken grief.

Thomas: "I know, Niva. We have to be strong, for each other."

Niva: "Yes, Father. I'll do my best."

Catherine, dressed impeccably as always, breezed into the kitchen with an air of authority. Her eyes flicked over Niva with a mixture of pity and something else—something calculating.

Catherine: "Good morning. Thomas, we need to discuss some important matters. Niva, why don't you go outside and get some fresh air?"

Niva bristled at being dismissed but nodded and left the room. She could hear Catherine's voice lowering as she spoke to her father, her words muffled but insistent. Niva's heart tightened with unease.

Niva's Perspective

Outside, the garden was blooming, a stark contrast to the sorrow in Niva's heart. She walked aimlessly, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She found herself near her mother's favorite spot by the old oak tree and sat down, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Niva: "Mother, I don't know how to do this without you. Everything feels wrong."

As she sat there, lost in her grief, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She looked up to see a young man, about her age, with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

Young Man: "Hello there. I'm sorry to intrude. I was passing by and saw you looked upset."

Niva: "Who are you?"

Young Man: "My name is Ethan. My family lives nearby. I often come here to think. Is everything all right?"

Niva hesitated, then decided to trust him. There was something comforting about his presence.

Niva: "My mother just passed away. It's been…difficult accepting my new situation."

Ethan: "I'm so sorry. Losing someone you love is never easy. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

Inside the cottage, Thomas felt trapped between grief and confusion. Catherine's words cut through the fog in his mind.

Catherine: "Thomas, we need to think about the future. Niva is still young and we have responsibilities. There are decisions to be made."

Thomas: "Decisions? What kind of decisions?"

Catherine: "About Niva's future. She needs stability, education, and guidance. I think we should consider sending her to a place where she can get the proper care and education she deserves."

Thomas stared at Catherine, trying to process her words. The thought of sending Niva away seemed unbearable, but Catherine's logic was cold and convincing.

Thomas: "I don't know, Catherine. I need time to think."

Catherine: "Of course, take your time. But remember, this is in Niva's best interest."

Niva and Ethan talked for what felt like hours. He shared stories of his family and listened patiently to her memories of her mother. For the first time in days, Niva felt a glimmer of hope.

Ethan: "You're stronger than you realize, Niva. Your mother's love is still with you. It always will be."

Niva felt a warmth spread through her chest. She had found a friend in Ethan, and his kindness was a balm to her wounded heart.

Niva: "Thank you, Ethan. I needed to hear that."

As they stood to leave, Ethan gently took her hand.

Ethan: "We'll get through this together, Niva. You're not alone."

Catherine watched from the window, her eyes narrowing as she saw Niva with Ethan. She knew she had to act quickly to solidify her plan.

Catherine: "Thomas, I've been thinking. We must make a decision soon. For Niva's sake."

Thomas sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his responsibility.

Thomas: "You're right, Catherine. We need to do what's best for her."

Catherine smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She had her plans for Niva, and they didn't involve the happiness or well-being of the girl she now saw as an obstacle.

As Niva walked back to the cottage, she felt a sense of dread. Something about Catherine's presence and the way she spoke to her father filled her with unease. She entered the kitchen to find her father and Catherine waiting for her.

Thomas: "Niva, we need to talk."

Niva's heart pounded in her chest. She glanced at Catherine, whose smile seemed more sinister than comforting.

Niva: "What is it, Father?"

Thomas: "Catherine and I have been discussing your future. We think it might be best if you go away for a while, to get proper care and education."

Niva's eyes widened in shock.

Niva: "Go away? But I want to stay here, with you. I can help with the house, with everything!"

Catherine: "Niva, it's for your good. You'll have a better life, more opportunities."

Niva looked at her father, pleading silently. But Thomas looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

Thomas: "I'm sorry, Niva. I think Catherine is right."

Niva felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under her. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. But in that moment, she resolved to fight. She would not let Catherine take her away from the only home she had left.

As the days passed, Niva tried to find a way to convince her father to let her stay. She knew she had to be strong, to remember her mother's words. And with Ethan's support, she believed she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. But Catherine was relentless, and her plans for Niva were already in motion. Little did Niva know, her life was about to take a turn she could never have predicted, leading her down a path of hardship, resilience, and ultimately, love.