The drive to Alex’s estate was cloaked in silence, the hum of the car’s engine the only sound as Georgina and Harriet sank into their private thoughts. Mike pulled up to the imposing gates of the estate, where Harriet flashed her ID at the security guard with a practiced ease. The gates swung open, revealing a meticulously manicured landscape that stretched out like a painting. Georgina’s eyes widened, taking in the orderly rows of palm trees and vibrant flowerbeds, but she quickly shook off the distraction. This wasn’t the time to marvel at beauty—not today.

Harriet led the way to the house, her steps brisk and purposeful. At the front door, she pressed the bell, the chime echoing faintly in the heavy air. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Mama Lily, the elderly maid, her face etched with grief.

“Good afternoon, Mama Lily,” Harriet said softly, her voice warm but subdued.

“Oh, my child!” Mama Lily’s voice trembled as she pulled Harriet into a tight embrace, tears spilling down her weathered cheeks. She turned to Georgina, her arms opening again. “Come, come inside,” she said, grasping Harriet’s hand and leading them through the front door.

The living room buzzed with mourners, their hushed voices blending into a somber hum. Faces turned briefly toward the newcomers, offering nods or fleeting smiles of condolence. Georgina and Harriet scanned the crowd, searching for Alex, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“Mama Lily, where’s Alex?” Harriet asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“In his room,” Mama Lily replied, her eyes soft with understanding. “He hasn’t come down much.”

Harriet nodded, thanking her, and motioned for Georgina to follow. They wove through the crowd and climbed the stairs, the weight of the moment pressing against their chests. At Alex’s door, Harriet knocked softly. “Alex?”

The seconds stretched painfully until the door finally swung open. There stood Alex, a shadow of his former self. His eyes, once bright with mischief, were red-rimmed and dull, his hair a tangled mess. Harriet’s heart clenched at the sight. Without a word, she rushed forward, wrapping him in a fierce hug.

“It’s okay, Ice Cream,” she murmured, using the old nickname that used to make him laugh. “Everything’s going to be alright.”

Alex’s shoulders shook as tears streamed down his face, his arms tightening around her. Georgina stood back, her throat tight, watching the raw grief unfold.

“Come on, Alex,” Harriet said, pulling back to cup his face, her thumbs brushing away his tears. “You’ve got to be strong. Not for anyone else, but for your mom and you know Uncle wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

Alex nodded, his lips trembling. “Thanks for coming,” he said, his voice hoarse. He stepped aside, gesturing them into his room. “Come in.”

The room was a quiet sanctuary, a stark contrast to the crowded living room below. Alex sank onto his bed, while Harriet and Georgina settled on a small couch tucked against the wall. The air felt heavy, thick with unspoken words.

“Nice painting,” Georgina said, nodding toward a vibrant abstract piece on the wall, desperate to lighten the mood.

Alex’s gaze flickered to it, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks. Dad picked it out during the renovation two months ago.” His voice cracked, and he looked away, his emotions betraying him.

“I’m so sorry, Alex,” Georgina said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay,” he interrupted, his voice soft but firm. “I think about him all the time, whether you mention him or not. The memories… they’re always there.”

Harriet leaned forward, her eyes fierce with empathy. “I miss Uncle too. He was like a dad to me. I’m hurting just as much as you are, but he wouldn’t want us drowning in this pain forever, you know?”

Alex nodded silently, his jaw tight.

“When are they planning to lay him to rest?” Harriet asked gently.

“Soon. Maybe tomorrow or the next day,” Alex replied, his voice barely audible.

Harriet gave a small nod. “Alright.”

Georgina reached into her bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box, placing it on Alex’s desk. “We brought you a little something,” she said with a shy smile.

Alex’s expression softened. “Thanks, guys. For coming, for the gift… for everything.”

“It’s nothing,” Georgina said, waving a hand. “School’s been boring without you anyway.”

Alex managed a weak chuckle. “I know, right? I’m the life of the party.”

“In your dreams, dude,” Harriet shot back, her tone teasing but warm. The three of them burst into laughter, the sound a fleeting reprieve from the grief that hung over them.

“Still coming to pre-summer camp?” Harriet asked, leaning back on the couch.

Alex shrugged. “Not sure. Principal Dave gave me a month to sort things out at home. Said they’d make an exception for me, so I don’t have to worry about camp.”

“That’s good,” Harriet said. “At least you’ve got time to figure out what to do with all the properties Uncle left you.”

“Yeah,” Alex murmured, his eyes distant.

“Camp’s gonna suck without you,” Georgina said, pouting playfully.

Alex grinned, a spark of his old self flickering through. “Come on, you’ve got Harriet to keep you company.”

Georgina glanced at Harriet, her eyes lingering a moment too long before she looked away. An awkward tension flickered between them, unnoticed by Alex.

“By the way, how’s Bambi?” Alex asked, breaking the silence.

Harriet rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. “Bambi’s fine, you goof. Not like you to check on your ‘god-daughter.’”

“What? Can’t I ask about my favorite pup?” Alex teased, his tone lighter now.

“Silly,” Harriet said, mock-scowling.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Alex excused himself, stepping out briefly before returning. “Guys, I’ve got to go. Mom needs help with something.”

“No worries,” Harriet said, standing. “I’ve got to run too—stepmom’s dragging me shopping with that chico.”

Alex raised an eyebrow. “The sooner you make peace with your stepbrother, the better, you know.”

Harriet mimicked his tone exaggeratedly, and they all laughed as they headed for the door. Alex walked them to the front entrance, the murmur of the mourners fading behind them.

“Say hi to your mom for me,” Harriet said. “Couldn’t talk to her with all the people around.”

“Will do,” Alex promised, shutting the door with a soft click.

Georgina glanced at Harriet as they stepped into the warm afternoon light. “He’s gonna be okay, right?”

Harriet nodded, her expression resolute. “He’s strong. He’ll get through this.”

“What about you?” Georgina asked, her voice softer now. “Are you okay?”

Harriet froze, her eyes meeting Georgina’s. For a moment, they stood locked in each other’s gaze, the world around them fading. Harriet’s heart raced, a confusing pull tugging at her chest. What is this? she thought, her mind reeling. this isn’t right. She blinked, breaking the stare, and turned her face away, her cheeks burning.

“Hey, want to grab some noodles over there?” Georgina asked, pointing to a small street shop near the gate, oblivious to Harriet’s inner turmoil.

“I’d love to, but I’ve got to go,” Harriet said quickly, desperate to escape the moment. “Stepmom’s waiting.”

As if on cue, her driver pulled up. Harriet forced a smile. “See you at school tomorrow,” she said, waving as she climbed into the car.

The door shut and Harriet let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. Damn it, Harriet, get a grip, she scolded herself, pressing her palms to her face. This is so wrong. She tapped her forehead lightly, as if she could knock the confusing thoughts out of her head. Get it together, you little punk.