Crimson Inheritance

Chapter 6: A Home Away from Home

As we ascended the wooden staircase, Ethan walking a few steps ahead, he turned back with a teasing grin. "It seems you and ice are inseparable—like a match made in heaven," he joked.

He had already taken care of the mess I'd made earlier in kitchen, while also meticulously wiping away the melted ice water from the floor. His gestures tonight were nothing short of indulgent, pampering me in a way that felt almost surreal.

The stairs were bathed in a soft, golden glow from the delicate lamps mounted on the walls, casting gentle shadows that danced with our steps. The rich scent of polished wood filled the air, evoking a sense of comfort. Along the walls, framed photographs told the story of Ethan's life—snapshots of his parents' love and the carefree joy of his childhood. 

As I lingered on those pictures, a pang of longing welled up within me. The joy in their eyes, the completeness of their bond, brought back memories of my own mother. How different life would have been if she were still with us, filling the void in our family with her warmth. But that cruel twist of fate, that tragic accident two years ago, had taken her from us, leaving only the ache of her absence.

"Why are you standing there? Keep walking!" Ethan's voice cut through my thoughts, drawing me back to the present. I realized I had stopped a few steps behind him, lost in the emotions the photos had stirred.

"You've got lovely pictures here," I commented with admiration.

"Thanks," he replied, coming down a few steps to stand beside me. He pointed to a particular photo, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "This one was taken when we went to Sunrosel for a summer trip. I was three."

I couldn't help but simply adore the image before me—a younger version of Ethan with the same striking blue eyes, only slightly larger in his small face. His rosy cheeks, baby-pink lips, and those few strands of chocolate brown hair that framed his face made him look utterly adorable.

"You were so cute," I blurted out, momentarily forgetting he was right next to me.

I glanced up at him, catching the faint blush that dusted his cheeks. It was endearing to see him a bit shy from the compliment. He cleared his throat, continuing with a fond smile, "This one was taken when my dad took us to see the great mountains of Monsero. He loved mountains," Ethan said, his voice tinged with nostalgia, as if the memory of his father's passion for those towering peaks brought him a quiet joy.

He started to point out another photo, but before he could continue, a mellow feminine voice interrupted.

"Ethan? Who you're talking to, dear?" 

***

I looked up and found myself staring at a woman who appeared to be in her late 50s, though her youthful aura made her look no older than 30. Her black hair, streaked elegantly with gray, was tied into a loose half-ponytail, framing a face that radiated love and kindness. I noticed immediately that Ethan had inherited her striking blue eyes. She wore a simple loose t-shirt and solid-colored pajama pants, yet there was a quiet grace in her appearance that spoke volumes. She embodied every bit of feminine energy, a gentle curve gracing her lips as she looked down at us.

"Mom," Ethan began calmly, "this is Evelyn. She was the one knocking on the shutter earlier."

Caught off guard and feeling slightly embarrassed, I managed a small smile and said, "Hi! Nice to meet you."

Ethan continued, "When she was returning from here, her car broke down, and she also forgot her phone, so..."

"Oh, girl!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening with concern as she looked at me. "Have you offered her something against the cold, boy?"