Chapter 19
Kalevi awoke to a world devoid of colour. The vibrant hues of joy and laughter that once filled his days had been replaced by an empty, desolate grey. Each breath felt heavy, as if he were carrying the weight of his shattered heart upon his shoulders.
Grief had woven its tendrils around Kalevi's soul, entangling him in a web of sorrow. Memories of August's absence echoed through his mind, tormenting him with their bittersweet whispers.
The days turned into a blur as Kalevi struggled to find his footing in this new reality. His once lively spirit had been dampened, and he found it difficult to muster the energy for even the simplest of tasks. The world around him seemed muted as if it were mourning alongside him.
It was soon spring, and it was as if nothing had changed. Draco had tried nearly everything in an attempt to help Kalevi but it seemed useless.
Kalevi sat at his desk, the weight of the world seemingly resting upon his shoulders. The room felt suffocating, the air thick with sadness. And then, a faint rustling sound broke through the silence, catching Kalevi's attention.
He turned to see a letter lying on his desk, its presence both unexpected and intriguing. With trembling hands, he reached out and picked it up, feeling the weight of anticipation settle in his chest.
Carefully tearing open the envelope, Kalevi unfolded the letter, revealing words penned by his parents.
Rakkain poikamme,
Olemme pahoillamme, että emme kirjoittaneet niin pitkään, kun suru oli vallannut myös meidät.
Uutiset, että vanhin poikamme kuoli ystävämme takia, mursi meidät.
Emme voi kuvitella, mitä olit käynyt läpi nähdessäsi vanhimman veljesi tapetun.
Hänen ruumiinsa tuotiin kotiin jokin aika sitten. Hän joutui tuhkaksi.
Tänä kesänä aiomme matkustaa tänä kesänä Suomeen hänen hautajaisiinsa, pyydämme sinua kutsumaan yhden lähimmistä ystävistäsi tehdäksesi tästä iloisempaa.
Rakastamme sinua,
Mr. ja Mrs. Karlsson
Kalevi's heart sank as he read the words of his parents. The pain of losing his oldest brother and the circumstances surrounding his death had taken a toll on their family as well.
Tears welled up in Kalevi's eyes as he read the heartfelt words of his parents. The weight of grief that had been pressing down on him finally broke through, and he couldn't hold back the flood of emotions any longer. Silent sobs wracked his body, each one a release of pent-up sorrow.
In that vulnerable moment, Draco walked into the room, concern etched on his face. He had seen Kalevi struggle for months, trying everything in his power to help him find solace. Seeing his friend reduced to tears pierced Draco's heart.
Without a word, Draco crossed the room and sat beside Kalevi, offering a comforting presence. He understood that sometimes words were unnecessary, that all someone needed was a shoulder to lean on.
"Do you want to talk?" Draco whispered softly.
"Do you wanna go to Finland with me this summer?" Kalevi mumbled softly, looking up at Draco with his tear-stained face.
"Why?" Draco responded, a little taken aback by Kalevi's request.
Kalevi took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "I want to honour my brother's memory, they're having his funeral in my hometown," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to be there for my parents, and I want them to see that they're not alone in their grief."
Draco nodded slowly, understanding the weight of Kalevi's words. He knew that this trip would be an important step in their healing process.
"I'll go with you," Draco said firmly. "I have to write home to my parents, make sure it's okay with them first"
Kalevi looked at Draco with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Draco," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Your support means everything to me."
Draco smiled warmly, placing a comforting hand on Kalevi's shoulder. "You're probably the person I care about most in this world, Kalevi. I'll always be here for you."
As they sat there together, the weight of their shared grief began to feel just a little lighter.