Chapter 17

For the first time, Caleb got a clear glimpse of the sensitive soul hidden beneath Winona's usual arrogant and boisterous facade. Her words painted a picture of tentative probing and struggle that eventually dissolved into despair. Her spoiled behavior, seemingly nonsensical tantrums, and lack of understanding toward him had all been desperate, clumsy attempts to elicit a response from the glacier that was Caleb. Yet he had never been receptive. Instead, he deliberately shut himself off from her, finding her loud and annoying. Caleb's fingers trembled as he opened the audio folder. There was only one recording inside, saved on the date of their wedding anniversary. He pressed play. At first, all he could hear were some shuffling sounds. Then, Winona's voice rang out. Her words were slightly slurred—she was clearly drunk—but her tone was unusually gentle. Soft music played faintly in the background. "Caleb… Today is our second wedding anniversary… You've forgotten again, haven't