Chapter 31 Explosion

Richard stood at the top of the staircase, his hand gripping the railing tightly. The basement room, a space that has been hidden from his family for years and was shown to him by his father beckoned him forward. With a deep breath, he descended the stairs, the dim light flickering overhead. As he reached the bottom, the room unfolded before him. It was a shrine to his beloved wife, Elaine. The walls were adorned with countless photographs of her smiling, laughing, cooking and sleeping. Each frame was beautifully placed. The room was a sanctuary, a place where Richard could retreat and bask in the warmth of Elaine's memory.