And If You Wrong Us

Part 9: The Fall

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thank you for coming to read my story! If you end up enjoying this section, please vote and leave a comment! While you read this chapter, here are some things to think about : 1. What do you think about Sophie leaving Mr. Raven? Is she making a good choice? 2. What do you think about Mr. Raven's deception? Did he do the right thing, or was it selfish? 3. What do you think of the ending? Was Mr. Raven merciful? Should he have tried to do more?

An autumn chill snaked its way up the back-porch steps of the mayor's house and lingered at the rocking chair where a tall, white-haired man sat, idly tapping his foot to keep the chair moving. The screen door opened and closed. There was a light thud as a suitcase was placed onto the floor.

Mr. Raven looked up at his wife; her expression was clouded. "Is this really necessary?"

She pulled in a shaky breath. "I'm afraid it is, Cirius."

His gaze wandered from her face to the suitcase, then back to the street. "Because I won't give you another child?"

"It's not only that and you know it," she quipped. She paused, taking another long breath. "I'm taking the children with me. They will be better off."

Mr. Raven felt the autumn chill curl around his shoulders. "I wish you wouldn't."

"You know they can't stay with you, Cirius. You're gone to meetings, charity events, balls, and then there's the drinking..."

He looked up at her again. "Where will you go?"

She looked away. "To my parents' house. They know I'm coming. The children will be well provided for."

He nodded slowly. "Your parents — they were never fond of me."

Sophie pulled a stray strand away from her face. "No, they..." She hesitated. "They said you were a working man; a man who has no time for family." She sniffed. "I suppose they were right."

"Will I get to see them?"

Sophie cleared her throat. "Yes. I'll bring them by for visits."

"Where are they now?" Mr. Raven folded his arms across his chest as the chill continued to worm its way around him.

"They're already there, with their things. I brought them the other day. I didn't..." She paused. "I didn't want to make it any harder on them — on you." She picked up her suitcase. "I — I need to go now."

"I never meant to hurt you." Mr. Raven's words stopped her short at the stairs. Sophie gripped the handle of her bag. "I hope you know that."

She turned to him momentarily, mustering a smile. "I know."

Mr. Raven watched her descend the steps, make her way down the stone pathway, out the gate, and onto the street. His eyes stayed on her as she walked further away. He stayed in the wooden chair, rocking gently. He stayed long after the sun had sunk behind the trees and the moon had taken its place in the breezy, Autumn sky.

Mr. Raven kept running. He could not look back, or it would surely catch him. The old, wooden walls creaked and groaned around him, the floorboards seemed to splinter with each footfall. As he passed each sconce upon the wall, the flames sputtered out, leaving only yawning darkness behind him. The hall continued on, a straight, endless path.

No matter how hard he ran, how fast, he could still hear the pattering of feet behind him. They seemed to get closer with each breath he gulped down. His fingertips grazed the wall on his right, and when he brought them close to his face, he saw red liquid dripping down his skin.