Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY FORGAVE HIMSELF
The final report on the Harbor Row fire confirmed that serious wrongdoing had occurred around the warehouse's records and safety arrangements.
The investigation established that Silas had participated in a conspiracy to conceal financial misconduct.
Additional evidence supported criminal proceedings related to the fire and the circumstances surrounding Elias's death.
Mateo read the report alone.
Then he went to the conservatory.
He sat in Elias's chair.
For a long time, he stared at the roses.
Then he spoke.
"I'm sorry."
His voice broke.
"I'm sorry I didn't listen."
He closed his eyes.
"I thought I had to carry everything."
Tears slipped down his face.
"But I couldn't even carry myself."
He looked toward the white rose.
"I miss you."
The conservatory was quiet.
Then a small voice spoke.
"Mr. Mateo?"
Ruby stood near the doorway.
He wiped his face.
"Hello, Ruby."
She approached.
"Are you talking to Elias?"
Mateo nodded.
"Yes."
Ruby smiled.
"Good."
She sat beside him.
Then asked:
"Do you think he'd like the garden now?"
Mateo looked around.
The restored beds.
The new plants.
The bright labels.
The children's drawings.
He smiled through tears.
"Yes."
Ruby nodded.
"Then maybe you did something good."
Mateo stared at her.
For years, he had measured himself by the moment he failed his brother.
Now he began to understand that one terrible moment did not have to define the rest of his life.
He reached for Ruby's hand.
"Thank you."
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
Then she added:
"Lady Thundercloud finally bloomed."
Mateo looked up.
And there it was.
A white rose.
Open.
May you like
Beautiful.
Alive.
