Chapter 10 : The Path Grim Chose
It was midday, around 12 PM, and the sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm glow over the bustling park.
Despite the gentle breeze that danced through the air, the day felt pleasantly bright and alive.
Grim and his mother had completed all the shopping they needed to do. Now, they were seated at a small table under the shade of a leafy tree, a quiet spot away from the busier parts of the park.
Grim looked sharp and striking in his white shirt and white pants, the crisp fabric complementing his tall, well-built frame. His black shoes gleamed under the sunlight, and the black watch on his wrist added a touch of sophistication to his appearance. Despite his intimidating aura, there was a subtle gentleness in his expression when he looked at his mother.
His mother, on the other hand, looked graceful and serene in her deep blue dress. The elegant fabric flowed softly around her, highlighting her delicate yet dignified presence. Her white hair shimmered in the sunlight, framing her kind, gentle face.
The table between them was empty for now, but the calmness of the park provided a moment of peace after the busy shopping they had done.
Grim's gaze occasionally wandered over their surroundings, his eyes sharp and watchful even in this moment of quiet.
His mother looked at him with gentle concern in her eyes. "Don't you think it is time to let go of all that anger, Grim?" she asked softly, her voice like a soothing breeze amid the lively sounds of the park.
Grim's expression tightened, his gaze shifting away from her and settling on the distant greenery. "Anger is the only thing that keeps me going," he replied, his tone calm but laced with a hardness that couldn't be ignored. "If I let it go, then what's left?"
His mother's gaze remained steady, her kindness unwavering. "There's more to life than vengeance, my son. You have a family to protect. A future to build. Holding on to anger will only destroy you from the inside."
Grim clenched his jaw, the words striking deeper than he would ever admit. But he refused to meet her eyes, unwilling to show that her words had reached him.
Grim's mother looked at him with gentle concern, her eyes reflecting both love and worry.
"Grim, don't you think it's a bit of a waste to spend so much money?" she asked softly. "You bought Lyra a very expensive laptop, and all the dresses you bought for me and her... they must've cost a fortune."
Grim's expression remained unreadable, his gaze focused on the horizon. "Lyra wanted a laptop, so I bought her the best one," he replied flatly. "And you both deserve fine dresses. Money isn't something I care about losing."
His mother's lips curved into a sad smile. "But we should try to save some. We don't have much as it is."
"Tell me something, Mother," Grim said, his tone calm but carrying a weight of something darker beneath. "Do you want to live like we used to? The rich lifestyle, the luxurious home, all of it? Do you want to return to those days?"
His mother's expression faltered, and she fell silent, her eyes lowering as if the question itself had reopened old wounds.
Seeing her reaction, Grim continued, his voice filled with regret and frustration. "If I hadn't been thrown in jail... if I was there when our family fell, I would have protected us. I would've made sure none of this happened."
His fists clenched on the table. "It's all because of me. And I'm not going to let go of the people responsible. Not ever."
His mother saw the anger burning in Grim's eyes, a fury so deeply rooted it was part of him now. She reached out and placed her hand gently on his lap, her touch calming yet firm.
"No, Grim," she said softly, her voice resolute. "I don't want to live like before. It's quite peaceful like this, even if it's not as grand. And I'm happier not having to deal with those greedy people who surrounded us back then."
Grim's gaze finally met hers, his expression conflicted.
His mother continued, her eyes full of warmth and sincerity. "If we ever have the money, all I wish for is a better house. The one we live in now... it's not in the best area. I just want Lyra to have a good life, to be able to go out without having to worry about her safety. The same for Raven." Her fingers gently squeezed his hand. "And you too, Grim. You're already 23 years old. You deserve to live a calm, peaceful life, not one consumed by anger and vengeance."
The words pierced through him, but he remained silent, his gaze hardening once more.
"A house, huh?" Grim said, forcing a smirk. "Well, I'll buy you one. A place where you can feel safe, where Lyra and Raven can live without worrying about anything."
His mother's eyes softened, her smile returning. "I know you love your brother and sister more than anything, Grim. You've always tried to protect them. But holding on to this anger won't help them. It will only hurt you."
Grim looked away, his expression unreadable. But there was a glimmer of something in his eyes, a hint of doubt that her words might have stirred within him.
He stood up abruptly, his voice steady. "Should we head home now? Lyra must be waiting for you."
His mother nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, let's go."
As they began walking home, Grim held his mother's hand gently, carrying the shopping bags in his other hand. His steps were steady and purposeful, his gaze occasionally drifting to his mother's peaceful expression.
But beneath the calm exterior, his thoughts churned with darkness.
Mother, you know nothing about my anger. It's not for the fall of our father... I would never be angry about that. In fact, I'm glad he died, just as I planned.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at the path ahead.
But the situation spiraled out of control because I was busy with something else. I never thought it would go so far that you'd have to move from the house. If I had been there, I would never have allowed it.
Grim's grip on his mother's hand tightened momentarily, but his expression remained composed and gentle. The secrets he carried were his own burden to bear.
As they reached home, Grim handed his mother the shopping bags with a gentle smile. "Here, Mother. I'll be back later. I have some work to do," he said, his tone calm and steady.
His mother looked at him with slight concern but nodded. "Alright, Grim. Just be careful."
Grim gave her a reassuring nod before turning and walking away, his footsteps fading as he disappeared down the street.