Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows by Landon Creed Hale `10 Summary
In Chapter 10 of “Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows,” Evander grapples with the unsettling reality of Natasha’s absence, which he initially dismissed as a mere game. As weeks pass without any contact, his worry transforms into desperation, prompting him to reach out to her friends, only to discover that no one has seen or heard from her. This growing anxiety is compounded by the revelation that Natasha has taken only her personal savings, leaving the Palmer family’s wealth untouched, a move Evander bitterly interprets as a childish ploy to elicit a reaction from him.
As life at home continues with a façade of normalcy, Evander’s children, Mervin and Ashley, eagerly discuss an upcoming school event, inadvertently highlighting Natasha’s absence. Their disdainful comments about their mother’s lack of involvement in their lives contrast sharply with the more engaging presence of Penelope, who is now filling the role of caretaker. However, Evander’s discomfort is palpable as he realizes the small, loving gestures Natasha once provided—like his preferred coffee preparation—are now missing, leaving a void that Penelope cannot fill.
The household dynamics shift subtly but significantly, with Penelope delegating domestic responsibilities to the staff, which only amplifies Evander’s sense of loss. The comforting rituals that once defined their home have vanished, replaced by a hollow routine that lacks the warmth and care Natasha infused into their lives. This absence becomes starkly apparent when Evander returns home one evening to an empty, unwelcoming house, devoid of the familiar comforts he once took for granted.
The climax of Evander’s realization comes when he confronts the housekeeper about the lack of evening preparations, only to learn that Natasha had always handled these details personally. This moment strikes Evander with a heavy sense of regret, illuminating the depth of Natasha’s devotion to their family and the emotional debt he feels towards her. The chapter closes with Evander grappling with the weight of his realizations, as the echoes of Natasha’s absence resonate through their once vibrant home.
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**Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows**
by Landon Creed Hale
**Chapter 10**
A full month slipped by before Evander truly grasped the reality of Natasha’s absence.
Initially, he had convinced himself that she was merely indulging in one of her games, a playful act designed to provoke a reaction. But as the days turned into weeks, and his attempts to contact her met with silence, a gnawing worry began to take root within him.
He reached out to her old friends, making a series of calls that only deepened his unease. Each conversation confirmed his worst fears—none of them had seen or heard from her.
Frustration bubbled to the surface as he hung up the phone, his mind racing. He retreated to his study, the familiar scent of polished wood and leather filling the air as he opened his laptop. A few clicks later, he accessed the financial records linked to the black card he had provided her.
The screen stared back at him, revealing a balance that remained stubbornly at zero.
She had taken only her personal savings, leaving the Palmer family’s wealth untouched.
“How noble of her,” he muttered bitterly, shutting the laptop with a decisive click.
In his mind, this was nothing more than a desperate gambit to draw them into a frantic chase after her—a childish strategy that was bound to fail.
The following morning, as the sun filtered through the kitchen window, Mervin and Ashley were animatedly discussing their school day, their voices bubbling with excitement. Penelope moved gracefully around the table, serving them breakfast with a gentle touch, her eyes lighting up occasionally to cast a warm smile in Evander’s direction.
At first glance, the scene seemed idyllic, a picture of domestic bliss. Yet, deep inside, Evander felt an unsettling void, a nagging sense that something vital was missing.
“Daddy, the school’s parent-child event is next week. Can you and Penny come?” Ashley asked, her large, innocent eyes wide with anticipation.
“Of course,” Evander replied automatically, the words slipping out without much thought. Then, a moment later, he paused, a question forming in his mind. “In the past, who usually went with you? Was it your mother?”
The instant he posed the question, the children’s expressions twisted into identical grimaces of distaste.
“She did… But we never wanted her there!” Mervin exclaimed, his small face scrunching up in disdain.
“She just stayed home all the time doing laundry and cooking. She never wanted to go out, never bothered to dress nicely. We were embarrassed to be seen with her.”
“Exactly!” Ashley echoed, her voice rising with enthusiasm. “Penny always dresses so beautifully! All our classmates are jealous!”
At that, Penelope blushed, a shy smile creeping onto her lips as she poured Evander a steaming cup of coffee. “Here, Evan. I asked the staff to make it just how you like it.”
Evander took a sip, his taste buds recoiling slightly at the overly sweet flavor. It was far too sugary for his liking, a stark reminder of how Natasha used to prepare his coffee with precision. She knew exactly how he took it: no sugar, just a splash of milk.
“Is something wrong? Does it not taste right?” Penelope asked, her brow furrowing in concern as she noticed his reaction.
“It’s fine,” he replied curtly, setting the cup down with a hint of annoyance. He didn’t elaborate, instead adjusting his cuff with a practiced motion. “I’m going to the office.”
In the days that followed, the Palmer household maintained an outward appearance of normalcy, yet subtle changes began to weave their way into the fabric of their lives.
Penelope, who had never been particularly fond of household chores, soon found herself delegating all domestic responsibilities to the staff after a few half-hearted attempts.
The house still functioned smoothly enough on the surface, but Evander—and perhaps the children, to some extent—could sense that something fundamental had shifted.
Gone were the days of freshly ironed clothes waiting for them, the comforting glasses of warm milk before bed, the meticulously prepared breakfasts tailored to their individual tastes. Those small, loving gestures had vanished, leaving a hollow echo in their wake.
One evening, everything came to a head as Evander returned home late from a business dinner, fatigue weighing heavily on his shoulders. He stumbled into the living room and waved dismissively at his assistant. “That will be all. You may go.”
As the door clicked shut behind the assistant, an oppressive silence enveloped the room, amplifying the emptiness he felt within. He rubbed his temples, instinctively calling out, “Is anyone here?”
The moment the words left his lips, he was struck by the stark realization that tonight felt different.
There was no soft glow from the entryway sconce to welcome him home, no steaming herbal tonic waiting on the side table, no familiar presence to ease his weariness.
“Leticia!” he snapped, dialing the housekeeper’s line with a sense of urgency. “I informed you I had an engagement tonight. Why was nothing prepared?”
Moments later, Leticia hurried into the living room, her expression flustered and apologetic. “My apologies, Mr. Palmer. Mrs. Palmer always handled all those evening preparations personally. I’m afraid we’ve gotten out of the habit…”
“And about that tonic you mentioned, Mrs. Palmer always selected the herbs herself and would spend hours watching it simmer on the stove. She never let any of us help with it…”
“Shall I try to prepare some for you now, sir?” she offered hesitantly.
Evander felt as if he had been physically struck. A strange, heavy emotion settled in his chest, tightening around his heart.
She had personally handled each of those details herself, each small act of care adding to the tapestry of their lives.
He had always known she was devoted to the household, but never until this moment had the regret felt so sharp and clear, leaving him with an unmistakable sense of being in her debt.
**Chapter 11**
Conclusion
In the wake of Natasha’s absence, Evander’s life unfurled into a landscape marked by disquiet and longing. The initial denial he clung to began to erode, revealing the stark truth of how deeply her presence had woven itself into the fabric of their family. Each day became a reminder of what was lost, as the hollow echoes of her absence reverberated through the walls of their home. The laughter of his children, once a joyful symphony, now rang with an undertone of something vital missing. As he navigated the mundane tasks of daily life, he was haunted by the realization that the warmth and care Natasha infused into their household were irreplaceable, leaving behind an emptiness that no amount of wealth or superficial normalcy could fill.
This emotional awakening culminated in a moment of stark clarity, as Evander stood amidst the remnants of a life once vibrant with Natasha’s love. The trivial details he had overlooked—the perfectly brewed herbal tonic, the lovingly prepared meals, the soft glow of welcoming lights—now loomed large in his consciousness, each a testament to her unwavering devotion. The realization struck him with an intensity that was both painful and liberating; he had taken her for granted, and in her absence, he was left to confront his own shortcomings. As he grappled with the weight of regret, Evander understood that to truly honor Natasha’s memory, he needed to embrace the lessons her absence had imparted, to seek out the echoes of forgotten tomorrows and weave them into a future that celebrated the love they had shared.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect Evander to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil caused by Natasha’s absence. The absence of her presence has begun to unravel the delicate balance of their household, and Evander’s growing realization of what he has lost will prompt him to confront his feelings more directly. As he grapples with the stark contrast between Natasha’s nurturing touch and the cold emptiness that has settled in, he may find himself questioning not only his choices but also the very fabric of his relationships with Penelope and the children. The tension will likely escalate as he struggles to maintain the facade of normalcy while navigating the churning waters of regret and longing.
Moreover, the chapter promises to introduce a turning point for Evander. As he seeks answers and clarity, he may take bold steps toward uncovering the truth about Natasha’s disappearance. This quest could lead him to unexpected allies or revelations that challenge his perceptions of love, loyalty, and family. With the stakes higher than ever, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Evander’s journey unfolds. Will he find Natasha and mend the rifts in their lives, or will he be forced to confront the possibility that some echoes of the past can never be silenced? The next chapter holds the key to these pressing questions, and the anticipation is palpable.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
