Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1189

Phoenix gently soothed Kearney, his demeanor akin to comforting a distressed child. From the doorway, Agnes observed the scene unfolding before him, his emotions a tangled web. In this world, the roots of good and evil run deep. Kearney had grown up immersed in hatred, embracing an extreme method to etch that animosity into his very being. When his world plunged into darkness, his soul twisted and contorted. Then, suddenly, he was told that the hatred he clung to never truly existed. Every belief he held dear disintegrated into nothingness. That revelation was a cruelty in itself. For humans are creatures of conviction, whether rooted in good or evil. To Agnes, it all seemed a grotesque farce. Kearney was both despicable and pitiable. Yet, he was the one who killed Sean, his own brother, leaving Phoenix a shell of his former self. Such actions were unforgivable. Ultimately, Agnes couldn't bring himself to enter. No one could redeem Kearney, nor did he deserve such redemption. But then, where does the fault truly lie? Perhaps only the heavens have that answer. Agnes sighed deeply, turning to leave, only to find Jared waiting behind him.

"Don't dwell on it too much," Jared advised. "Empathy to such an extent can be crushing. The world is just like that—those with kind hearts are often closest to suffering. You don't have to bear the weight of others' karma." Agnes remained silent. "Let's take a walk on the beach," Jared suggested, taking Agnes's hand. It was already late into the night, two in the morning to be precise, but sleep was an elusive guest after the day's events. They both needed a moment to clear their heads. Despite the hour, the beauty of the Thousand Island Lake was undeniable. The sand was soft and fine beneath their feet, reminiscent of stepping into fresh snow. Agnes decided to remove his shoes and socks, letting the sand slip through his toes like countless tiny brushes. The April breeze was chill, but the unique geography of the area lent a warmth that was quite comforting. The night air, moist and slightly sticky, caressed their faces as if with gentle hands. Waves lapped against the shore in steady succession, erasing all traces of their presence on the sand.

"If only life could be like these waters, smoothing over all the rough edges, making everything anew as if the bad things never happened," Agnes mused, the weight of his thoughts growing heavier. His mind wandered back to his days in Manhattan, to all the times Kearney had looked out for him, especially during the birth of Nocturne. Without Kearney, Agnes couldn't have navigated those turbulent times. Kearney had a way of making people feel at ease when it mattered most, displaying a kindness and attentiveness that made Agnes feel as though he truly had a brother. He had always been grateful for that care, yet now, things had taken such a tragic turn. Jared squeezed Agnes's hand tighter, offering comfort.

"Life is unpredictable," Jared said softly. "We can't foresee what the next moment holds. It's hard to label someone purely good or evil. Even the worst villain can show tenderness to their loved ones. The world isn't black and white; perhaps that's the last bit of grace and malice left by the divine. But don't overthink it. Some things are beyond our understanding, and human nature is the most complex of all. Sometimes, it's better to be a little oblivious and forgive yourself."