Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows by Landon Creed Hale `12 Summary
In “Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows,” Evander uses business trips as an excuse to escape the oppressive atmosphere at home following a significant event. His frequent absences provide him with a sense of relief, while Penelope, left to her own devices, indulges in a life of luxury and self-care, neglecting her responsibilities as a mother. She revels in her newfound freedom, becoming increasingly disconnected from her children, Mervin and Ashley, who are left to navigate their lives without adult supervision.
As Penelope immerses herself in her glamorous lifestyle, Mervin and Ashley begin to mimic her disregard for rules, skipping school and seeking adventure in secret hideouts. Their laughter fills the spaces where their mother’s presence should have been, highlighting the stark contrast between their joyful escapades and the silence that envelops their home. When Penelope learns of their truancy, she dismisses the situation with indifference, prioritizing her own desires over her children’s well-being.
Penelope’s attitude towards parenting becomes increasingly callous, as she expresses a preference for her stepchildren’s failure, viewing them as competition for her future children’s inheritance. Her conversation with the children’s teacher reveals her complete lack of concern for their education, as she insists on handling any issues herself and keeping Evander out of it. This self-serving mentality culminates in a chilling moment when she returns home to chaos and greets her excited children with coldness and authority.
The children’s innocent joy quickly turns to fear as Penelope reveals her true nature. Her harsh words and domineering demeanor shatter their spirits, leaving them trembling in the face of her cold authority. The once playful atmosphere is replaced by a sense of dread, as Penelope asserts her control over the household, reminding the children of their diminished status in her eyes. The chapter closes with a haunting reminder of the power dynamics at play, leaving Mervin and Ashley to grapple with the reality of their new, unsettling home life.
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**Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows**
by Landon Creed Hale
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After that fateful night, Evander found solace in weaving elaborate tales of business trips, using them as a convenient excuse to stay away from home for extended periods. Each departure felt like a release, a chance to escape the suffocating atmosphere that had begun to envelop their lives.
With Evander frequently absent, Penelope embraced her newfound freedom with open arms. She reveled in her days, filling them with luxurious spa appointments and personal styling sessions that turned her into a vision of glamour. The world outside her bubble faded into insignificance as she indulged in self-care, her reflection in the mirror becoming her only companion.
Meanwhile, Mervin and Ashley found themselves adrift, no longer having a consistent adult to escort them to school. In the past, Penelope had often taken it upon herself to win their affection by sneaking them out of class for spontaneous adventures, but now, the children were left to their own devices.
Inspired by their mother’s earlier disregard for rules, they began to mimic her behavior, skipping school entirely and finding refuge in secret hideouts during the day. Their laughter echoed in places where the sun barely reached, a stark contrast to the silence that filled their home.
When Penelope eventually learned of their truancy, she brushed it off with a wave of her perfectly manicured hand.
“Ms. Holyfield, we need to discuss Mr. Mervin and Miss Palmer. They have been skipping school quite frequently. The teacher has called repeatedly, hoping you and Mr. Palmer might intervene,” the voice on the other end of the line pleaded, a hint of desperation lingering in the air.
Penelope reclined deeper into her plush spa chair, her fingers tracing the fresh polish on her nails. “Alright. I’ll handle it later,” she replied, her tone dripping with indifference.
“Please, don’t bother Evan with this. He’s busy. I wouldn’t want to add to his worries,” she added, dismissing the matter with a flick of her wrist.
After hanging up, her friend leaned in with a teasing grin. “You’re not actually going to parent his kids, are you? It sounds like such a hassle marrying a wealthy man.”
Chapter 12
288 Vouchers
“Parent them?” Penelope echoed, a lazy yawn escaping her lips. Her eyes sparkled with a calculating glint.
“I’d prefer they fail. Less competition for my future children’s inheritance,” she mused, her thoughts swirling with ambition.
Without a second thought, she dialed Mervin and Ashley’s homeroom teacher, her voice smooth and commanding. “Our children will be dealing with some family matters shortly. If they happen to be absent, please refrain from making a fuss. You are aware of our family’s circumstances. They don’t need to take school too seriously.”
“Also, their father is quite preoccupied. From now on, any concerns should be directed to me. There’s no need to involve him,” she concluded, her tone leaving no room for discussion.
Once the call ended, she dismissed the entire situation from her mind, a satisfied smile creeping onto her lips.
That evening, after indulging in a series of beauty treatments that left her feeling rejuvenated, Penelope returned home, only to be met with chaos. The living room lay in disarray, toys strewn about like fallen leaves after a storm, a testament to the children’s unrestrained play. Upon spotting her, Mervin and Ashley rushed towards her, their faces lighting up with excitement. “Penny! You’re back! We missed you so much!” they exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with genuine joy.
However, much to their surprise, the usually warm and welcoming woman greeted them with an icy demeanor.
“I know. I’m busy. Go entertain yourselves,” she replied, her voice clipped and impatient.
Mervin, still clinging to the hope of her previous indulgence, threw a toy onto the floor in frustration. “No! You have to play with us!”
At his words, Penelope’s expression morphed into something dark and frightening, a shadow passing over her features.
“What did you just say? Who do you think you’re yelling at?” she snapped, her voice low and dangerous.
“You do realize I’m marrying your father soon, don’t you? I will be the new lady of this house,” she continued, her tone dripping with authority.
“Your father never cared for your useless mother. It won’t be long before he grows tired of you two as well,” she added, her words sharp as daggers.
The children, once bold and brimming with mischief, now stood frozen in fear, clinging to each other as if seeking solace from the storm that had just erupted. All the bravado they had displayed when bullying Natasha had vanished, leaving only trepidation in its wake.
“Good, you understand. Remember this: from now on, I’m in charge here. If you dare raise your voices to me again, you will regret it,” she warned, her gaze a chilling reminder of the power she wielded.
With a final, piercing look, she turned on her heel and ascended the staircase, her presence lingering like a dark cloud over the children, leaving them trembling in the wake of her cold authority.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of Evander’s absence and Penelope’s self-absorption, the once vibrant home has transformed into a battleground of emotional neglect and fear. Mervin and Ashley, who once sought the warmth of their mother’s affection, now find themselves caught in the crossfire of her ambition and indifference. The laughter that once echoed through the halls has been replaced by the chilling silence of a fractured family, where the children’s innocence is overshadowed by Penelope’s ruthless pursuit of status and control. The stark contrast between the carefree days of their childhood and the oppressive atmosphere that now reigns serves as a haunting reminder of what has been lost—a family unit that thrived on love and connection, now reduced to mere shadows of their former selves.
As Penelope ascends the staircase, leaving the children trembling in her wake, the emotional arc reaches a poignant climax. The once-glamorous facade she has carefully cultivated now stands in stark opposition to the chaos and despair that permeates her home. The echoes of forgotten tomorrows resonate deeply within the walls, whispering of dreams unfulfilled and relationships in ruin. In her quest for power, Penelope has not only alienated herself from the children but has also unwittingly become a prisoner of her own ambition, trapped in a cycle of isolation and fear. The reality of her choices looms heavy, a stark reminder that in the pursuit of self-interest, the most precious bonds can be irrevocably severed, leaving behind only echoes of what might have been.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension within the Palmer household reaches a boiling point, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the psychological warfare playing out between Penelope and the children. With her newfound dominance firmly established, readers can anticipate a perilous game of manipulation and resistance as Mervin and Ashley grapple with their fear of Penelope while desperately seeking ways to reclaim their childhood innocence. Will they unite against her oppressive rule, or will her chilling influence continue to suffocate their spirits? The stakes are high, and the children’s bond will be tested in ways they never imagined.
Moreover, Evander’s impending return from his business trips looms large, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. How will he react to the changes in his children, and will he finally see through Penelope’s facade? As secrets begin to unravel and alliances shift, the ripple effects of Penelope’s actions may force Evander to make choices that could alter the course of their family forever. Expect surprises that could change the dynamics of their relationships and reveal the true nature of love, loyalty, and betrayal in a world where echoes of forgotten tomorrows threaten to drown out the present. The next chapter is sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving readers breathless and eager for more.
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.
