2011 - Ethan
The garden was beautiful this time of year, and Ethan breathed in the earthy smell of freshly-mown lawn. This was his heaven He was particularly proud of the large oak tree in the centre of the garden. It was well established when they’d bought the house, and it branched out to make the perfect little picnic spot.
Maybe when his grandchildren were older, he would have a tree house built. His girls had never been keen on anything like that, but now Bethany had two boys they might like it.
She lived in a much smaller house than Ethan. She’d given up work when the boys were born and they didn't have the money to move into anywhere bigger. Now and again she would hint at moving into her father's house.
Of course, he would have to move out. There would be no way she'd move in with her father still there.
This is mine.
Full of good memories, and of bad, the house was his. He had made it his when Catherine had moved out, and he had no regrets. The phone was ringing inside, and he walked back in to pick it up.
"Ethan," Patrick's voice was shaking, and Ethan closed his eyes. He knew what it meant.
"Patrick. Is everything alright?"
Patrick sighed. "Mark died today. I just needed a friend to talk to. I'm surrounded by upset women, and I'm barely holding it together myself. It's so unfair."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I know you two became good friends."
"He had a coronary in the end. It's awful. He loved his family so much."
Ethan felt nothing but sympathy for the young man. He had such a good heart, and he wasn't the type to try to take advantage of the situation. He'd carried his love for Cassie his whole life; being reunited with her would be a dream come true.
"Do you want me to come down for the funeral? I'm happy to be support, and I can help out if you need it."
"We'll be okay. The whole thing was already organised. Thanks for the offer, though, I really appreciate it."
"Anytime, son. You know you can call me whenever you need anything. Come and see me when you get back. We'll catch up properly."
He could hear the relief in Patrick's voice. "Sure thing. That sounds great."
It was tempting to drive down anyway. Ethan knew enough about the situation to work out where the funeral was, and Patrick sounded like he needed the support. But Patrick had said no, and he would respect his wishes. He didn't like the idea of intruding on the family as they worked through their grief. Perhaps he would send flowers.