The Wolf's Grave

Chapter 1: The Tragic Summer Afternoon

Although the distance to XQ hospital was expected to take 30 minutes by car, the driver was able to navigate the roads skillfully and lawfully due to the urgent circumstances. Consequently, they arrived at the hospital safely and in just 20 minutes.

After she arrived at the hospital, Fleur hurriedly entered through the door, searching for her uncle. She instinctively went up to the 3rd floor using the escalator, as she had forgotten to ask her uncle which floor her grandmother was on. When the escalator opened, she quickly stepped out and began searching for her uncle, but he was nowhere to be found. It was only when she noticed a tall middle-aged man sitting in a waiting chair with a pale complexion that she saw him.

She experienced a profound empathy towards her uncle, as she observed the immense resilience with which he navigated the situation. However, she finds herself unable to indulge in sympathy towards others, particularly when she herself is grappling with comparable emotions, mirroring her uncle's journey.

"Uncle.. " She called him

"Luvy... we're supposed to get a results soon.."

"yeah..I guess" 

The intense desire to cry consumes her, but she valiantly fights against it, determined to conceal this overwhelming urge and keep all the emotions bottled up inside her. Deep within her heart, an array of thoughts and sentiments yearn to be released, to be expressed without reservation. 

However, she is acutely aware that she cannot succumb to this vulnerability, for there must be a stalwart individual who can bravely shoulder the weight of their own burdens, sparing others from the additional emotional strain.

Nearly an hour had elapsed while waiting outside the room with her uncle, but the results had at last arrived.

In all her years, she had never experienced such a devastating blow as the one she was currently enduring. Despite her best efforts, she could no longer hold back her tears after struggling for two long hours. 

She was desperate to assign blame for the unexpected tragedy that had befallen her, whether it be on another person, a circumstance, or even herself, as it was something she had never imagined would happen to her.

With a sense of urgency, she implored the doctor to grant her the opportunity to catch a glimpse of her grandmother, even if it was only for a fleeting moment. Her heart was filled with a childlike optimism that if she could just lay eyes on her grandmother, she would miraculously awaken from her slumber and embrace her with the familiar warmth of her hugs.

The doctor gave a firm negative response, stating that the patient must be promptly transported to the mortuary once the necessary documentation has been completed.

Upon recognizing the gravity of the situation, her uncle promptly grasped the circumstances at hand, displaying an immediate comprehension of the predicament. Acting as a pillar of support, he advised her to temporarily retreat to the comforting confines of her home while he valiantly undertook the arduous task of dealing with the cumbersome paperwork.

 Remarkably, despite his own affliction, he exhibited an unwavering determination to navigate through the bureaucratic maze, exhibiting a level of self-sufficiency and resilience that one would expect from an individual wholly capable of functioning independently. 

This stood in stark contrast to her own reliance on her uncle and grandmother for the entirety of her existence, rendering her comparatively dependent and reliant on their assistance.

As they drove towards their residence, she occupied the seat inside the vehicle, deep in contemplation about the various aspects of her existence and the choices she had made.

At the tender age of just 7 months old, she tragically lost both her parents in a devastating car accident. However, throughout her entire 19 years of life, she never once felt as though something was missing, thanks to the unwavering love and support provided by her grandmother and uncle. 

Recognizing the immense responsibility they had in raising her, they shielded her from the harsh realities of the world, fearing that she may be led astray. Consequently, she spent the entirety of her 19 years being homeschooled, devoid of any companionship from peers. 

Despite this isolated existence, she found contentment in her circumstances. Throughout her life, she never ventured out alone, as her uncle harbored a deep fear of her being involved in another tragic accident.

As she fixated her gaze upon the window, her mind wandered aimlessly, consumed by a sense of purposelessness. The profound realization that her entire existence had become devoid of reason or significance overwhelmed her, leaving her feeling utterly desolate. The pitiful sensation of complete self-reliance, the ability to accomplish anything solely on her own, resurfaced within her, engulfing her entirely like a predator patiently biding its time, ready to pounce and assail her when least expected.

Upon their arrival, she immediately retreated to her room and unleashed all the pent-up emotions she had been suppressing. She screamed into her pillows, crying as she expressed her self-loathing, incompetence, and every other negative emotion she had been harboring. Eventually, after coming to terms with the fact that her grandmother was gone for good, she was able to calm down.

It is imperative for her to embrace a greater level of maturity and shed the persona of a sheltered girl that has defined her existence thus far. Despite being shielded by her family throughout her life, she has the opportunity to embark on a journey of independence and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, a remarkable businesswoman who achieved success without relying on any connections, she can tap into the wisdom and guidance imparted to her. Her grandmother serves as the epitome of independence, blazing her own trail and paving the way for her granddaughter to do the same.