Chapter 35

Damian

"We're not alone in this journey. We will get through it together." ~ Damian

Tara has gathered us all for a meeting after talking with Violet and Peter separately. The air is heavy with tension and everyone is on edge, waiting for her to speak.

"Violet can't remain here any longer. I'm so far out of my depth with her, but we've connected," Tara begins, her words steady but filled with emotion. "She's barely hanging on. I'm in a constant battle with her over rejecting Peter."

I look over at my friend. His head hangs in defeat, the weight of the situation pressing down on him visibly. The silence in the room is tangible as everyone absorbs Tara's words.

"Peter is going to stay with Frank for a while. Violet and I will move into Peter's house. Alexander may end up with Peter more than he's with Violet," Tara continues, glancing at Alexander, who looks confused but trusting. "She's agreed to study online with me. I'm hoping the counseling classes will start the healing process. The women here know what she's been through. I'm sorry guys, it's not my place to tell you any of it. Just know she's been through more than the others. I'm not negating anyone's experiences—"

"None of us have suffered as Violet has suffered. It's okay, Tara," Niki interrupts, her words soft but firm.

Tara's face fills with gratitude and she mouths thank you .

"If any of you still want to remain here, no one is stopping you. But it's time for my herd to go home with Violet," Tara concludes, her tone final but compassionate.

The room is quiet as everyone processes the news. Michail stands, breaking the silence. "We will wait with the rest. We can't thank each of you enough for all you've done."

The meeting slowly disperses, everyone speaking in hushed tones. I walk over to Peter, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this, my friend. Just take it one day at a time."

He nods, but his vision appears distant, lost in thought. I can't imagine the turmoil he's experiencing, but I know he needs our support now more than ever.

Outside, Tara helps Violet pack their things, preparing for the move. Tara's determination is evident in her every action. However, there's a softness in the way she speaks to Violet—a gentle encouragement that seems to ease her fragile state.

Alexander clings to Peter, clearly sensing the shift in their world. Peter hugs him tightly, whispering reassurances that everything will be okay. It's a heart-wrenching scene, but also one filled with possibilities. This change, as difficult as it is, might be the catalyst for healing that Violet desperately needs.

As the day progresses, we help with the packing. Each of us contributes in small ways.

Tara's plan is ambitious, but necessary. The counseling classes, the change of environment, and the constant support are steps toward a better future for Violet. It's a daunting task, but if anyone can help her, it's Tara with her unwavering determination and the bond she's formed with Violet.

By the time the sun sets, the preparations are nearly complete. We've gathered everything we brought. Violet and Alexander's meager belongings are packed. Georgia's too. She's going with us. There's a collective sigh of relief as we sit around the campfire, sharing a meal and reflecting on the day's events.

"This isn't goodbye," Tara reminds them, her words carrying over the crackling fire. "We're just taking the next step. We'll still be connected to those we are leaving behind, no matter where we are."

Her words resonate deeply, and as I look around at the faces of my friends—old and new—I see a shared sense of resolve. We're a family, bound not by blood but by our experiences and our commitment to one another.

We have one last task to complete. The most important task of all. The memories of those left to rot in the cave deserve a proper burial. The men and I carry the remains tossed away like garbage, into the heart of the labyrinth. Each one, we lay beside the other with care. When none remains in the cave, those of us not of this herd step back while the women and children take torches and light the remains of those they loved.

I watch the tears fall down the cheeks of everyone watching the bodies burn. A peace fills the air. It's closure that they all needed. Even I needed to see the remains of heifers I never met given an honorable send off. No one deserves the life and death these women suffered.

As the night deepens, we settle into our tents. And the uncertainty of the future blends with the promises that tomorrow brings.