1 Chapter 1

Connecticut 1885

A quiet city, a quiet neighbourhood, but a not-so-quiet house... a woman's screams echoed through the halls and attracted much attention from the neighbours, who crowded anxiously on the dirt street, waiting for the results of this long-awaited birth.

The neighbours knew the Vlamorae's like the back of their own hands. They were like family to everyone on that street. So news that Mrs Vlamorae was finally having her child spread fast, and all who heard the news were relieved.

The unborn child was a pain to the mother during pregnancy. The constant sick days and endless aches and pains were pure Hell to Mrs Vlamorae. And although her husband tried to comfort her as much as possible, she still went through Hell. The couple began to get worried if there was something wrong with their new baby with all the pain and illness.

There began a rumour of a miscarriage about five months in. The neighbourhood was glum for a very long time (with the exception of Mr Vlamorae's many enemies who were quite pleased to hear this). They gave the couple baskets of food and small gifts in an attempt to cheer and give the couple hope; they tried staying and talking with them about the simple things of life, and gave them comforting hugs and reassurance letters. But when the news finally rang out that the baby was to be born alive, the neighbours were overjoyed. So here they were... anticipating the result, awaiting the news, ready to pounce on the new child and smother it with acceptance and love from all.

A shrill cry erupted the ominous silence and made a few shudder. The pain the mother was going through seemed beyond unbearable, even to experienced mothers.

Mrs Vlamorae screamed again, the long, ear-piercing, eerie sound making a few people doubt if both will live. It was one or the other.

Some more rude neighbours even placed wagers on which person would survive: the mother, her child, or even just the father. These people snickered silently with each other, joking about the loser's bets and boasting proudly about their own. They gripped their wallets and purses tightly, and huddled close, in hopes that no one would notice their indecency.

For two long, excruciating hours... everyone waited quietly. A few people had left, asking others to alert them when it finally happened, but those who were patient stayed... and unfortunately had to experience the tragic loss first-hand.

...

"You have a healthy baby girl, Mr Vlamorae," the doctor said, coming out of the locked room with a small bundle of blankets in his arms. The fidgety, paranoid husband shot up from his seat in the hall, startled by both the silence, and the doctor's voice.

"What's the matter? You look distressed," Mr Vlamorae asked worriedly, noticing the doctor's dark look in his eyes and the solemn tone of voice he bore as he announced the arrival. The doctor carefully handed the newborn to Mr Vlamorae.

"Your wife... I'm afraid your wife didn't make it," The doctor said, removing his spectacles and wiping them on his coat. Mr Vlamorae practically stopped breathing at the news of his wife's passing. His breath hitched in his throat and he felt a painful pang in his heart as the news hit him and subsequently began to break him down. His mind was barely comprehending the loss but the poor man was already feeling it deep down; despite the joy of finally being able to hold his child in his arms, Mr Vlamorae felt as if his world had just tumbled into dust.

A tear slid down Mr Vlamorae's cheek as the shrill cry of his newborn brought him out of his trance. He blinked several times before looking down at his new daughter's crying face. He began to shush her, rocking her in his arms and comforting her. The baby's crying gradually stopped, and soon she was only making soft gurgling noises as she surveyed the new world around her with fascination.

"...do you hear me, Mr Vlamorae?" The doctor's voice cut in suddenly, and everything came back to the man. Mr Vlamorae was suddenly aware of his surroundings, and the more he focused, the more he realised that the doctor had just addressed him.

"Oh yes... I just want... to be alone for now." The widower explained, not meeting the doctor's gaze.

"Understood. I'll have the necessary forms mailed to you, then... to give you time," - and with a curt nod of his head, the doctor stepped out of the room and quietly left, placing his hat upon his head and putting on his coat before exiting the house to meet the anticipating neighbours outside. The doctor gazed at them all with a sober expression, one that didn't need words to explain to the audience what had transpired. The neighbours knew instantly what happened and the tense atmosphere that engulfed everyone died and transformed into a cloud as grey as the sky above them.

In his study where he waited for the past three hours and now stood with tear-stained cheeks, Mr Vlamorae looked down at his new daughter with a hint of disdain.

"Welcome to the world, Tae... I hope you like it," he whispered hoarsely and with a tone that was nearly threatening.