The Absence of Mothers

"Some ghosts linger not because they haunt, but because no one remembers to let them go."

The rain hadn't stopped. It trailed down the Connolly estate's tall windows in thin rivulets, blurring the view of the garden below.

Liam Connolly sat cross-legged on the floor of the study, a chessboard spread out in front of him. The pieces were arranged mid-game, but no opponent sat across from him.

Dwan stood by the fireplace, quietly polishing the barrel of a pistol that rarely left his side.

"You'll wear those pieces out," Dwan said without looking up.

Liam's fingers hovered over a black knight, tapping it lightly against the board.

"I don't have anyone to play with."

"You've got me."

Liam glanced at him, unimpressed.

"You let me win."

Dwan grinned faintly.

"That's called encouragement, lad."

"Dad never let me win."

The grin faded from Dwan's face, but he said nothing.

The silence stretched between them.

Liam broke it.

"Did you know my mom?"

Dwan's hand paused mid-polish.

"I met her once."

Liam tilted his head.

"What was she like?"

Dwan rested the pistol on the mantel and folded his arms, staring into the flames.

"She was polite. Quiet. The opposite of your father, I'd say."

Liam frowned, shifting one of the chess pieces with his thumb.

"Declan never talks about her."

Dwan sighed, moving to sit in the leather chair across from Liam.

"Your brother's older. He remembers more than you. Not all of it good."

Liam's small hand drifted to the white queen on the board.

"Why did she leave?"

Dwan's gaze lingered on Liam's face, the question hanging heavy between them.

"Sometimes two people stop wanting the same things. They still care. But with your father... well, his world wasn't easy to live in."

Liam didn't answer immediately.

"Was it me?"

Dwan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"No. It wasn't you."

"She didn't take me with her?" Liam's voice was quiet but steady.

Dwan sat back, exhaling slowly.

"She thought you were safe."

Liam traced the edge of the chessboard, eyes downcast.

"She never visits."

"She left a clean break. That was her choice."

Liam nodded faintly.

"Declan didn't let her, did he?"

Dwan hesitated for a beat too long.

"Your brother... holds grudges. It's his way of protecting you."

Liam met his eyes then, the reflection of the fire flickering in his green gaze.

"I don't think she's coming back."

"You're probably right."

Liam picked up the white queen and set it aside.

"Then I won't wait for her."

Dwan's chest tightened at the simplicity of the statement.

"Smart lad," he said softly.

Liam's eyes drifted toward the door.

"Does Declan think about her?"

"Yes."

The Drawing Room – Later That Night

Declan sat alone in the drawing room, a glass of whiskey untouched by his side.

The Connolly name carried weight, but not enough to fill the absence she'd left behind.

Liam's soft footsteps behind him.

"You should be in bed," Declan said without turning.

"I couldn't sleep."

Liam slid onto the couch across from his brother.

"Were you thinking about Mom?" Liam's voice was calm.

Declan didn't respond immediately. His hand tightened around the glass, though he didn't drink.

"Yeah," he admitted finally.

Liam traced the armrest of the couch with his fingers.

"I never really knew her."

Declan's eyes flicked toward his younger brother.

"That's not your fault."

"I know."

Declan rubbing the back of his neck.

"She wasn't a bad person. She just didn't belong here."

Liam's gaze stayed fixed on the floor.

"You never talk about her."

Declan's jaw tensed.

"There's nothing good to say."

Liam's small voice cut through the quiet.

"Maybe not for you."

Declan looked up, surprised by the sharpness in his tone.

"I don't remember enough to be angry," Liam added, meeting Declan's gaze.

"But maybe that's worse to not know."

Declan's shoulders sank, guilt flickering across his expression.

"She's not coming back," Liam said plainly.

Declan stood, stepping over to ruffle Liam's hair lightly.

"You're handling this better than I did."

Liam tilted his head, smirking faintly.

"I'm smarter than you."

Declan chuckled softly.

"That's dangerous."

The Next Morning – Connolly Estate

Dwan stood by the front door as Declan shrugged on his coat.

"You told him about his mother," Declan said flatly.

Dwan raised an eyebrow.

"He asked."

Declan buttoned his coat, sighing.

"And what did you tell him?"

"Enough."

Declan's eyes narrowed.

"That's not an answer."

Dwan smirked faintly.

"It wasn't your decision to make, Declan. He's going to find out eventually."

Declan stared at him for a long moment.

"You're lucky I trust you."

Dwan adjusted his gloves, nodding toward the staircase.

"So is he."

Upstairs, Liam stood at the window, watching the city beyond the gates.

He didn't look back.

"I'll be ready when she comes."

But even he didn't believe it.