The Wesenberg family’s world shattered when young Ted drowned in their backyard pool. His father, Paul, had dived in to save him, but it was too late. As paramedics arrived, nothing could be done—Ted was gone.
At the funeral, Linda Wesenberg sat motionless, numb with grief. Her once warm and loving home became a place of sorrow and anger. Paul and Linda, consumed by blame, fought constantly, while their surviving son, Clark, silently suffered.
Each night, Clark lay in bed, hugging his teddy bear, listening to his parents’ heated arguments. The laughter and warmth their family once shared had vanished, replaced by bitterness and distance.
His mother no longer cooked breakfast or hugged him goodnight. His father tried to take care of him, but things were different. More than anything, Clark missed his brother. He felt invisible, longing for the love that seemed to have disappeared with Ted.
One evening, as another argument erupted, Clark couldn’t take it anymore. He ran into their room, begging them to stop. But instead of listening, they turned their anger toward each other again.
Feeling unwanted and alone, Clark made a decision. He ran from the house, heading to the cemetery where Ted was buried. Grabbing some dahlias—Ted’s favorite—he made his way through the dark streets.
At Ted’s grave, he broke down, pouring out his feelings. He told his brother how much he missed him, how their parents had changed, and how he felt unloved. Hours passed, and the cemetery became eerily silent.
Then, a sound broke the stillness. Clark turned to see shadowy figures in black robes approaching, carrying torches. Terror gripped him.
“You shouldn’t have come here, boy,” one of them said menacingly.
Just as Clark braced for the worst, a firm voice cut through the darkness.
“Enough of this nonsense, Chad!” A tall man emerged, scolding the group. Clark, trembling, ran to him. The man, Mr. Bowen, took Clark to his cottage and offered him warmth and safety.
At home, Linda suddenly realized Clark was missing. Panic-stricken, she searched everywhere before remembering where he might have gone. She and Paul raced to the cemetery, terrified.
Finding only a group of teenagers, Paul confronted them until one revealed Clark was safe with Mr. Bowen. Peering into the window of the small cottage, Linda and Paul overheard Clark pouring out his heartache to Mr. Bowen.
Tears filled their eyes as they realized how much they had neglected him. Without hesitation, they rushed in, embracing their son, vowing never to let their grief drive them apart again.
Over time, with Mr. Bowen’s support, their family healed. Though they would always miss Ted, they learned to cherish each other once more.
