Shattered Tears

Chapter Seven

A sharp rap on the cabin door shattered the silence, jolting Lizabeth out of her deep contemplation on Conroy's passing. She had been sitting between Rebecca and Katie for over an hour, lost in her own thoughts. Despite the crackling fire and its comforting warmth, she still felt a coldness gripping her heart. The unexpected noise drew all three women's attention towards the entrance. Lizabeth's heart leapt into her throat as anxiety flooded her body

Sluggishly, Lizabeth mumbled that she would answer the door, her voice drained and weary. It seemed as if talking alone required all of her remaining strength. She rose from the couch, her limbs moving with sluggishness and rigidity, burdened by the weight of her sorrow. Rebecca and Katie exchanged concerned glances but remained silent. They observed her closely as she slowly made her way to the door, each step feeling torturously long. The knocking persisted, growing sharper and more insistent with each tap.

Before opening the door, she paused and took a deep breath, her hand hovering over the handle as she prepared herself for what was on the other side. To her surprise, when she finally pulled the door open, she was greeted by the sight of her parents—Martha and Henry—standing on the porch, wrapped up in winter clothes to shield themselves from the cold. Snowflakes had settled on their coats and hats, and they looked at her with expressions that only loving parents could have: a blend of affection, concern, and unwavering determination.

Lizabeth's voice trembled as she spoke, the shock clear in her tone. "Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?"

Without hesitation, Martha stepped forward and enveloped her daughter in a tight hug.

"We missed you so much, honey," she whispered into Lizabeth's ear, holding her even tighter. "Rebecca called and told us that you needed your family with you this year."

Lizabeth's gaze shifted to Rebecca, who stood just a few steps behind her with a small, apologetic smile. Beside Martha, Henry stood on the porch with a freshly cut Christmas tree in his arms. He offered a soft smile, but his expression was guarded, as if unsure of how Lizabeth would react.

"We wanted to bring some Christmas cheer," he said softly.

Lizabeth took a step back, her emotions conflicting with confusion and annoyance. She hadn't asked for any of this.

"You didn't have to..." Lizabeth muttered under her breath, stepping aside to let them enter. "I'm fine."

Martha exchanged a look with Henry as she removed her coat and hat. "Darling, you don't have to pretend," she said gently but firmly, using the kind of tone only a mother could summon. "We're not here to solve everything. We just want to make sure you're not alone."

As her parents walked inside, Katie stood up from the couch, attempting to break the awkwardness in the room. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips," she greeted with a warm smile. "It's nice to see you."

Henry nodded in her direction and placed the tree in the corner next to the window. "We just want to support you, Lizzy," he reiterated in a soft voice filled with the patience that had always been his strength

Lizabeth's throat tightened as she felt the weight of their concern pressing in from all directions, making the small cabin feel suffocating. She hadn't wanted this. How could she tell them that their presence, while well-meaning, was overwhelming her? Their constant kindness felt like a heavy burden, and she struggled to find the words to explain.

"I never asked for any of this," she murmured under her breath, more to herself than anyone else.

Rebecca appeared by her side instantly, her hand resting lightly on Lizabeth's back. "We told you before, Liz. You didn't need to ask," Rebecca spoke softly. "We're here because we care about