Decision

The day had not yet fully dawned when Elice opened the door to her home. The atmosphere inside was quiet, but far from peaceful. Elice could feel it clearly.

Since that day, for some reason, Elice knew that the atmosphere at home had changed. The peace that had once existed was gone, replaced by a lingering sadness that persisted even as the days passed.

Elice walked in and closed the door behind her, making her way through the dark living room. She could still see the picture on the wall. A photograph that captured Elice's happiness with her parents, Wilda Russell and Peter McLean.

Not immediately continuing her steps, Elice found her feet stopped right under the happy portrait. Her hand lifted to touch the photo, but had to settle for feeling the frame.

Elice bit her lower lip, realizing that after Peter's departure, she had almost failed to keep Wilda's smile from fading. Her mother no longer experienced happiness, but rather feelings of shame and sadn