"Three days passed since the death of Nathaniel Harris" The speaker said. "Three emotional days, when we all had to realize that one of our loved ones had passed…" The crowd stood as the man continued to speak. Many attended the funeral, even those who associated with Nathaniel through business. Aaron, Priscilla, and Ainsley stood in the front row, having a perfect view of him in his open casket. Unlike the first few days, Priscilla no longer shed tears for her lost husband, for she wept almost nonstop the days that preceded his final ceremony; Aaron seemed to grow exponentially in the short amount of time he was announced successor. The sudden large amount of obligations more than likely affected Aaron mentally. They both focused on the funeral, sharing similar melancholy expressions.

However, Ainsley seemed to show no interest whatsoever in her father's memorial service; she merely looked down at the ground, appearing more overcast than any of the others attending. Neither words nor motion were audible to her; though her eyes faced the ground, she saw nothing. She could hardly even feel the single tear that fell from her cheek. The only thing that was present, to her, was guilt, an unbearable misery that consumed her each passing moment. Ainsley blamed herself. All she thought of was that her father and Oliver would be alive if she had not falsely accused Oliver. Would Oliver's memory even be recognized? She thought, finally looking up at the funeral procession. Her father would be resting in a fine casket, nearly everyone who came to the funeral was dressed extravagantly, except for a few servants, and the area around him was decorated with comely blossoms of flowers she could not even name. What would be done for Oliver, who had definitely suffered more within the few years of his life than Nathaniel had for the decades he lived?

The funeral began to close up after Aaron's speech. Apparently, he was also accepting his position as successor as he left his condolences for Nathaniel. Priscilla nudged Ainsley as she stood up; her daughter blinked as she looked up. It seemed as if outside was too bright for her as she tried to glance at her mother. Ainsley merely nodded as she held on to her mother's hand, and they left along with the guests that preceded them.

The desolate atmosphere at the orphanage was so thick it could be cut. Mikayla had attempted many times to make the children at least somewhat energetic, but her effort was futile. She could not blame anyone for being depressed, for accepting Oliver's death completely still made tears come from her eyes. Not even during meals did the children even talk, unless it was a mere "excuse me". On top of that, many still wondered how long it would take for Mai to return. The emptiness of the two seats next to Ron almost pierced into a person's heart. If any visitor had come to adopt, they would have just left saddened by the sight of the kids. Mikayla had decided that homeschooling would not be successful today, so she dismissed the kids to do as they pleased, as long as none of her rules were broken. She walked up to her small office, and leaned against her desk. So shortly after he came…Oliver had to be buried. Mikayla thought as she held back tears. Why must I feel so down when it is barely afternoon? Normally, Mikayla would look out the window whenever she thought, but today doing so would have only been more depressing, for Oliver's gravestone rested just outside the orphanage.

About an hour passed since the children were dismissed by Mikayla, yet Ron remained in his seat. He had sat in his chair, simply staring at the two empty seats in the circular table which he always sat in. Anyone could tell he had been crying, though he was not at this moment. Ron recalled all of the fun idle chatter he had with Mai and Oliver; their smiling faces were burned into his memory. The more he clung to that memory, the more he felt the impulse to weep. He could never have his rivalry days with Oliver, whose death claimed nearly everyone's happiness within the local area. And even though Mai had survived getting shot, it would be several days before she would be allowed back into the orphanage; even if she were brought back soon, could she ever have such a blissful smile again? Her heart was more than likely weighed heavily by the tragic events, and possibly scarred by them. Would Mai get over it, or would it traumatize her for the rest of her days?

Ron sat up, knowing that sulking would bring him no benefit. He stretched a little bit, rubbed his eyes, and then got out of his chair. Upon looking outside, he could tell that at least half of the children remained in the orphanage; most of the kids, or rather adolescents, outside were near his age. They were playing ball in a different manner than what was the norm. The ball was tapped back and forth instead of being caught and thrown. Maybe taking on a new challenge can get me out of the dumps. Ron went down the hall looking for the shoe box, for he needed a new pair of shoes to run in. Just as he was about to make a turn, there was a knock on the front door. Who could that be? Ron carelessly opened the door to see a young man with dark hair. He wore a white suit that bore the Harris family crest. Ron recognized it, for Mikayla had made deals with that family in the past. "...Good afternoon sir, what is your business?" Ron asked politely.

"Does a woman named Mikayla reside here?" The man asked.

"Yes, would you like me to get her for you?" Ron offered.

"No" the dark-haired man answered quickly. "I merely wanted to ascertain my information" He turned around and began to walk away, leaving Ron wondering what his purpose was. "Oh..." He said as he turned around. "Have a nice day"

"You too..." Ron replied, confused. Shortly after, the man was gone.

Aaron walked to the side of the orphanage where no one was; he looked around in a rather nonchalant manner. The building was larger than he had imagined, considering how many loans that the late Nathanial had given to ease its debts. It was very clean as well. Aaron ended up idly staring at it for a few moments before resuming his task. He continued walking until the point that he had almost completely circled the place; he then finally found what he was looking for: a gravestone, more specifically, Oliver's gravestone. What a simple task that pleases my young sister. Aaron thought as he looked down at the grave. In respect for the dead, Aaron left after a small prayer. He then returned to the carriage that he came in, where Ainsley had patiently been waiting for him. She instantly looked up when Aaron opened the door. "Is it—"

"Yes" Aaron answered, before the little girl could finish her question. "I saw no point in 'confirming location', since the information we are given as privileged people is always legitimate."

"I have my reasons" Ainsley muttered to herself.

Afterwards, the carriage left for Harris manor. The two siblings sat by one another quietly. Ainsley was still not used to Aaron being her company during travel, for he had always been the driver. Aaron did not seem to mind the quiet, for he was drifting off into sleep. Aaron must really be working a lot since Daddy's death...Ainsley looked at her brother's tired face. The bags under his eyes were quite visible, very comely for the average tycoon to have. She felt a small amount of pity for Aaron. He had been a worker all his life, and now he was forced by circumstance to take on all of their father's duties. Had he one decent night of sleep this week? Ainsley wondered. Well, that does not really apply to me now.

The driver called the two when they arrived at their destination. Aaron rose wearily and headed straight back for his office. The driver guided Ainsley back to her room. "Mister" she said as they walked.

"Yes, Miss Ainsley?" the servant replied.

"The place we were…that orphanage…can you take me there later today?" Ainsley asked, confusing her driver.

"Did you not finish all of your business? Should I bring Aaron with you?"

"No. I want to go alone. After dinner, preferably…please have the carriage ready by then."

"Why so late?" He raised an eyebrow at Ainsley.

"I have my reasons" She answered, then spoke no more.

Ainsley patiently waited for dinnertime, completing all of her lessons beforehand. The maid sent to summon her for dinner was surprised to see her waiting at the door. Without saying a word, Ainsley headed to the dining hall. It was fuller today; servants were eating at the table, which was abnormal. Ainsley then recalled that since Nathanial's death Aaron has been less strict with the servants, for they were his peers. She sat in her typical seat, next to her mother, and waited for her meal. Once again, Aaron was not present at dinner. Is paperwork something eternal? The little girl thought, still waiting. Shortly after, her dinner was delivered; she finished it quickly, while trying to look natural. When dessert was offered, she declined it, and then excused herself from the table, causing her mother and many others to look at her strangely.

Outside was very dark, and slightly breezy. The half-moon shone brightly over Ainsley, contradicting her black jacket, and the carriage she ran to. As she entered the carriage, she quietly said "Thank You" to the servant that was driving her back to the orphanage. He nodded in reply, and departed from Harris Manor. Ainsley remained silent during the ride, thinking about exactly what she would do once she reached the area. It gave her a very nauseating sensation to think the way she had for the past few days, yet she could not stop until the awful guilt would get off her chest. Before she had realized, they had already reached the orphanage, which was dead silent and still as could be, except for one lit room. Ainsley stepped out of the carriage and told her servant to wait for her, but he insisted that she be quick for the sake of safety.

In a circle, Ainsley walked looking for Oliver's grave. Her brother had assured it was here, yet she could not see it, more than likely because of the darkness caused by multiple trees. Just as she thought her brother was mistaken, she accidentally walked right into the gravestone, nearly falling over. She regained her balance quickly and took in a deep breath. I have to somehow make things right…even if it is too late… Ainsley kneeled down in a prayer position directly facing the grave. She started to mutter words, or at least tried to, but then she could only cry. Extremely abundant and bitter tears acted as nourishment for the earth with Oliver beneath it. After several minutes, Ainsley wiped her reddened eyes, which were now slightly puffy; she coughed briefly after and took in another deep breath. Once again she attempted to pray and managed to do so, despite the tears still streaming down her face. After finishing, she got up and concluded her prayer by saying aloud: "…Not trusting you was by far the worst mistake I've done. I don't deserve forgiveness, but I give you my sincerest of apologies anyway. I'll miss you and goodbye, Oliver" Ainsley quickly ran back to the carriage and ran into it without saying a word to her driver, for she felt more ashamed than ever, yet felt a very vague sense of peace. Nonetheless, the two headed back to Harris Manor, leaving the grave in its lonely sate once again.

Hours passed; it was now near midnight. Nearly all people were asleep at this hour, but in the darkness a small bird surfaced. A mere goldfinch far more than forgotten compared to Oliver rested upon its master's grave. Just like many people, it longed for Oliver's presence, having been with the boy since he was the mere age of five, but would not be granted such a wish. All it could do was merely repose on the stone. Over the days, James had become more filthy and smaller in size due to lack of food. He still bore the small splatter of Oliver's blood from the time said boy was shot by his killer, Hannah. The times had shown no sign of blessing, so all that remained was to leave. Carrying the sorrow of many, the old bird flew out into the cool summer night, its bloodied wings forever tainted.

….

If you thought the ending statement was cheesy, feel free to write this story yourself. If you liked the story, then feel free to leave a review.