Linda, Ted’s mother, was paralyzed by grief, sitting pale and unresponsive at the funeral. Days turned into weeks, and the home that had once been filled with joy became a place of turmoil. Arguments erupted between Paul and Linda, their blame for Ted’s death bouncing back and forth like a destructive force. In the midst of their pain, they overlooked their surviving son, Clark, who was quietly shouldering his own anguish.

Clark missed his brother deeply. Life without Ted was hollow, and his parents’ constant fighting only deepened his sadness. He longed for the time when his family was happy, when his mother kissed him goodnight and his father smiled. Now, all he heard were accusations and sobs.

One evening, as the tension between his parents escalated, Clark reached his breaking point. Bursting into their room, he pleaded, “Mommy! Daddy! Please stop fighting! I can’t take it anymore!” But his desperate cries fell on deaf ears. His parents were too consumed by their grief and anger to hear the pain in his voice.