Tragedy

The moment Eratz stepped into the living room, the air felt heavy, almost suffocating

His parents and siblings, were there, face to him, for the first time in months.

Cassie stood in front of them, trembling, her face wet with tears. Her arms shook as she hugged herself tightly, trying to hold herself together. 

Roger was beside her, his face filled with shock and concern. He stood like a wall between her and the confrontation, but even he couldn't hide the fear in his eyes.

They hadn't expected Eratz to come home this early, he wasn't supposed to be back until Sunday. They had hoped, prayed, that he wouldn't see this.

But now, their worst fear was unfolding right in front of them.

"Eratz..." Cassie's voice was barely a whisper.

She didn't want him to witness this, didn't want him to be a part of this ugly scene. But it was too late, it wasn't a nightmare anymore, it was a tragedy.