Present Time

Bill's Point Of View

I stepped out of my office and made my way down the stairs. I made it to the front door and offered one final glance behind me and then walked out of this dreaded mansion. I know one person that can help me as of right now, that man is no other than James Estridsen.

As I stepped onto the path that led me out of my house, I glanced up at the clear blue sky. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the white snow. Birds chirped melodiously, adding a touch of harmony to the scene. My carriage stood ready nearby, its polished mahogany exterior gleaming in the morning light.

Davidson dressed in a smart livery, sent me off with farewells as he opened the carriage door for me. I gracefully climbed aboard, settling into the plush velvet seat, which offered a comfortable ride. The carriage itself was a marvel of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and a soft cushioned interior.

"Wait a minute, Davidson. You're coming with me." I sighed.

"Then who will watch the young miss and young sir?" Davidson asked.

"I believe Nina can handle a couple children herself, Davidson." I gritted.

And with that, Davidson climbed into the carriage and sat across from me.

With a gentle flick of the reins, the driver urged the horses forward, and the carriage began its slow, rhythmic journey through the large property.

As the carriage meandered along the winding road, the clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoed through the street, blending with the sounds of howling winter wind.

After what seemed like a leisurely drive, the carriage finally arrived at James' residence. My anticipation grew as he alighted from the carriage. As a due of respect, I thanked my driver.

I walked up the stone steps, the heavy oak door creaking open as I entered James' home.

Inside, the house was adorned with ornate furniture, velvet drapes, and exquisite paintings that adorned the walls. The crackling sound of a fireplace filled the room, casting a warm and inviting glow. James, dressed in a tailored waistcoat and polished shoes, greeted me with a firm handshake and a warm smile.

"Ah Bill, you dropping my boy off so soon?" James asked.

"No, he is still with Aisha. I just came by because we need to talk." I sighed as I sat down in the nearest chair I could find.

"Do you want some Brandy?" James smiled, holding up a bottle of Brandy and two glasses.

"Sure, pour me a glass." I replied.

James then walked over and handed the Brandy to me and he sat down.

"What's going on, Bill?" James asked.

"You never come to my house, let alone step foot out of your own house." He laughed.

"She's figuring things out but I think Ashley is manipulating her and I can't stop thinking about Ashley's grieving.

I can hear her at night, haunting me, tormenting me for everything that has happened.

I can hear her screaming and crying.

I can see the memories." I grit as I tighten my fists.

"I can hear her voice repeating over and over again, 'where is my baby?' so innocently." I felt a tear drop from my eyes.

"It sounds like to me you're feeling guilty, Bill. Let's try another treatment session, shall we? Let's make your mind take a walk through the past. And when you open your eyes, you will tell me everything that you saw." James replied calmly.

And within that moment I closed my eyes.

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A Look Into The Past......

I sit in my office, staring blankly at the moon, lost in my thoughts. I always leave my office door open, the bedroom door open, and the West Wing door open so I can hear Ashley and to keep somewhat of a watch over her without invading her personal space.

"How can I help her? What more can I do?" I sigh.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sweet singing that I dread to hear every night.

"Rock a bye baby, on the tree top.

When the wind blows the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks the cradle will fall, and down will come baby, cradle and all." Ashley sings oh ever so sweetly.

Silence then hits and then a wave of uneasiness settles over me.

"My baby, my sweet baby. Where are you?" Ashley asks.

I got up from my chair and opened my office door. I quickly made my way through the hallway towards my bedroom, I slowly opened the bedroom door and took a glance through the room, Ashley was nowhere to be seen.

I quickly turned around and made my way back. I passed my office door until I made it to the west wing door. I slid past the rose covered door and made my way towards the nursery.

"Ashley, are you okay, honey?" I asked.

My eyes searched around the room for her, but she was nowhere to be seen.

A gust of cold air hits me and I realize where she is. There was a beautiful woman who could easily be mistaken for an angel by her white hair and pale skin, standing in a nightgown by an open window, her arms wide open towards the moon.

"Shhhh, don't cry, baby.

Alina, come here to mommy." She hums.

There was a quilt on the rocking chair so I quickly grabbed it and slowly made my way towards Ashley.

Finally reaching her, I wrapped the quilt around her shoulders and carefully picked her up, carrying her bridal style in my arms.

"Ashley, it's too cold for you to be out there in just your nightgown again." I whispered to her and then kissed her cheek. I slowly made my way out of the nursery with her.

I walked out of the hallway and reached the rose door and opened it. Nina was on the other side waiting for me.

"Nina, get me a rag and some warm water. Please bring it to my room." I whispered.

"Yes sir." Nina replied and quickly hurried away and down the staircase.

I continued my way to my room, finally reaching the door, and I opened it.

I made my way over to the bed, slowly and carefully I put Ashley down.

Next to the bed was a small dresser with an oil lamp. I drew oil through the wick of the oil lamp and then lit it.

I finally then sat down next to my wife and placed her hand in mine.

She slowly looked at me, completely expressionless, almost as if she was just dead inside.

But under her eyes were puffy from crying, and her once shinning blue eyes were now dull.

There was a knock on the door, "Come in." I replied. Nina came in and placed the water and rag onto the table next to me.

"Do you need anything else, sir?" She asked.

"No, that will be all. You did good, Nina. Now, please leave." I sighed.

She gave a quick nod and with that she left.

"I need you to set up for a moment, honey." I cooed. I then placed my arms underneath Ashley's back to get her to sit up. I carefully grabbed the rag and began to clean her feet and she just looked at me.

That same dull expression as always.

Ashley has been sleep walking for weeks now, it's as if she's desperately looking for something.

How long must I continue to live seeing this soulless smile?

The smile that once held so much brightness and joy.

"It's time to lay down now, Ashley.

Go to sleep." I sighed and within a few minutes she was peacefully asleep.

The flickering candlelight casts long shadows across the room as I sit by my wife's side, the weight of the world heavy on my weary shoulders.

I am a man caught amidst the turmoil of caring for a wife who is mentally ill and consumed by grief.

It is a burden I carry with a heavy heart, for my beloved wife, Ashley, has lost her grasp on reality.

The loss of our dear "child", a tragedy that struck us like a thunderbolt, has shattered Ashley's spirit.

It has sent her into a labyrinth of delusions, where she firmly believes our child is still alive, hidden away from the world.

Her mind clings desperately to this illusion, creating an alternate reality where she can cradle our child once again.

Oh, how I long to see her find solace and peace.

Days blend into nights, and nights into days as I tend to Ashley's needs, never faltering in my duty.

Her once vibrant eyes, which once sparkled with joy, now hold a glimmer of confusion and sorrow. I comb her disheveled hair, softly speaking comforting words into the void of her mind, hoping that somehow, my voice can penetrate the darkness that engulfs her.

In these moments, I become a beacon of unwavering love, guiding her through the labyrinth of her illusions.

I am her steadfast companion, her anchor in a world that threatens to sweep her away.

I listen intently as she recounts tales of her imagined encounters with our child, her words woven together with a desperate longing that pulls at my heartstrings.

Through it all, I strive to maintain a semblance of normalcy, preserving the routine of our daily lives as best as I can.

I engage Ashley in activities that once brought her joy, gently coaxing her out of the depths of her despair.

Together, we tend to our garden, her hands tracing delicate patterns in the soil as she speaks to the flowers, the poppies, believing that they hold secrets of our child's whereabouts.

Yet, despite my unwavering dedication, there are moments when exhaustion and doubt creep into my soul.

The weight of her anguish and the weight of the world seem almost unbearable.

But in those moments, I remember the vows we exchanged on our wedding day, promising to love and care for each other in sickness and in health.

I find strength in the knowledge that Ashley's suffering is not of her own choosing.

There are brief glimpses of the woman I married, moments when the clouds of delusion part, and her true self shines through. In those precious instances, I hold onto hope, believing that one day, she will emerge from the depths of her grief and reclaim her place in the world. Until then, I will remain steadfast, a guardian of her shattered spirit, a lighthouse guiding her through the storm.

So, I sit here, in the dimly lit room, my hand in hers, silently praying for her healing.

I am Bill Savelli, a man devoted to his wife in sickness and in health, carrying the weight of her burdens as if they were my own. And through it all, I hold onto the unwavering belief that love, patience, and understanding will one day guide us back to the light.

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I then finally opened my eyes, one of the many painful memories of the past that I never wanted to see again had been replayed in my mind once again.

My gaze caught eye to eye with James Estridsen.

"Now, Bill. Tell me everything that you saw." James smiled.

Time pasted as I then recounted the whole memory, not leaving one single detail out of it.

"Welp, that does seem like a lot to stress over and to replay. I am going to need time to come up with a solution to help you Bill, because right now, this is just a lot." James sighed. His wrinkles were clearing showing on his face as he rubbed his eyes.

"I understand, James. It's getting late anyways, I need to go ahead and head back to my house." I hummed as I then stood up.

"When does my boy plan on coming back home?" James asked.

"I don't even know at this point, James." I sighed.

"Well the more time that Aisha and Jack spend together, the better!" James laughed.

"Alright James, I will see you soon. Thank you for your help." I smiled.

"Anytime, Savelli. Anytime." James smiled.

"Let's go, Davidson." I whispered.

"Yes, sir." Davidson replied and followed.

I then made my way to the door and walked out.

Davidson opened the carriage door and I climbed in and he followed.

The carriage began its return journey, carrying me back through the snowy road. The sun had started its descent, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. My heart was filled with a sense of contentment and appreciation for having James Estridsen somewhat on my side.

Chapter 17 - Through His Eyes

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