Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

It was close to nine o'clock. The entrance and courtyard of the Wilson's residence were teeming with a constant flow of people.

Meanwhile, numerous luxury cars were neatly parked around, and everyone stepping out of the vehicles was dressed in black.

Natalie, Trevon, and Rachel, Caleb stood in the courtyard to receive the guests who came to pay their respects, nodding politely and exchanging pleasantries with whoever came to bid farewell to Theo.

Lena and Mary placed the two children and Jasper upstairs to ensure their noise would not disturb the funeral.

Before the three children were directed to go upstairs, Trevon had instructed them to pray in front of Theo's photo for ten minutes. The twins left after the time specified by their father, while only Jasper remained in prayer as he decided to continue for an additional half an hour.

Respecting the child's decision, Trevon refrained from intervening and allowed Jasper to continue praying for the additional half hour before eventually joining the others upstairs.

Many people came to bid farewell to Theo. After all, his amiable nature throughout his life had endeared him to everyone, resulting in a spontaneous gathering of mourners who came to pay their respects.

During this period, couples from the Yamin family, the Blackwell family, as well as various Athana dignitaries and wealthy families, visited the Wilson's residence to express their condolences.

A young man carrying a school bag came in. He was wearing a black hoodie and a black cap. As soon as he stepped into the funeral service, he took off his cap. When Natalie saw him, she quickly went forward, asking, "Isn't it Friday today? Why are you here? Aren't you going to class today?" The person who arrived was Tucker. His eyes were teary as he truthfully conveyed the information, adhering to Natalie's directive to be honest—an instruction he held close to his heart. "Natalie, | heard at school that Mr. Wilson had passed away, so | took leave. Don't worry, I've already prepared all the class materials for today's lessons. | won't fall behind on my homework." Upon hearing this, Natalie could not bring herself to scold him. She took his bag, an act that prompted the individuals paying their respects to start whispering about the relationship between the two. Natalie and Tucker, however, carried on as if they had not noticed, focusing on their own tasks instead.

"Go ahead and bid Mr. Wilson farewell." Tucker dutifully stepped forward and offered his prayers in front of Theo's photo. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the old man, acknowledging his deep appreciation. After all, Theo had treated him like he was his biological grandson, taking care of him in every way and even imparting occasional lessons on proper conduct.

Recalling every day in the Wilson's residence and every little bit of Theo, Tucker could not help but cry. After finishing his prayers, Tucker raised his hand to wipe away tears with the back of his hand. Subsequently, he took the bag from Natalie's hand and politely greeted Rachel, Caleb, and Trevon. Finally, he said, "I'l head upstairs to keep an eye on Jasper and the twins." Trevon patted Tucker's shoulder. "Go on." Upon pushing open the door upstairs, Tucker discovered that Jasper was not present. Instead, he only found his two nieces and Lena. Scanning the room, he inquired, "Lena, where's Jasper?" Lena sighed with reddened eyes, indicating that she had cried just now. "He went to Theo's study alone to practice calligraphy. It seems like he's missing his great-grandfather. Jasper may be reserved, but he is actually very understanding. You see, he spent half an hour in prayer in the courtyard before entering the study, and he has not spoken a single word by far. Just like his father, he rarely shares his thoughts with others.” Hearing this, Tucker placed his school bag on the ground. "I'l go take a look at Jasper. Sophia, Olivia, be good, okay? | will be back later." Sophia and Olivia both nodded in agreement, with Sophia adding, "Alright." In the study room, Jasper had diligently practiced numerous words using the method passed down by his great-grandfather. The word he had written most frequently was "Goodbye." As Tucker entered, he noticed a pile of papers neatly arranged on the corner of the table.

Jasper, but he ended up getting an order instead. He shook his head helplessly. Meanwhile, his nephew remained expressionless as he calmly practiced his calligraphy as if nothing had happened. However, Tucker was aware that Jasper was unhappy. Still, he said, "Alright. You can practice for a while. We'll be in the children’s room." Jasper replied

day after tomorrow, considering the possibility of Ava graduating early. In simpler terms, they

that the deceased should be given the

up Daniel, who had indicated that Frank would be heading

activity. The three Euchre tables that Trevon had set up were filled with

of the tables.

in front of Theo's photo, Rachel guided them to bed. Due to Lena's surgery, Natalie understandably prohibited her

time to time. Unfortunately, he did not get the chance to pay his respects to

the elders, namely Nathan, Richard, Charlie, and William, with the calm Grace seated beside William. It was noteworthy that Theo's funeral service could be described as incredibly

precisely what

| should do." Grace reorganized his cards, and in

by saying, "Why would | guess your cards? Do you think | have nothing better to do? What a petty man." Caleb stood behind and observed everything keenly. In reality, Charlie had already deduced William's cards. Charlie consistently held the

Instead, one might wonder

rounds already.” Hackett interrupted from another table, remarking, "Jim, | suspect the little money you won this morning isn't even enough for you to take the bus ride home tonight.” Frank played a card and glanced at the three women with a faint smile. The only odd one out, Jim, scratched his ear and cheek, remarking, "No need to be suspicious. | might lose so much that | go bankrupt soon." Playing cards was an enigmatic affair. Whenever a man engaged in a game with three women simultaneously, he found himself losing almost ninety percent of the time, unable to

the purpose of the endeavor. Meanwhile, Natalie's best friend reveled in her substantial winnings. Trevon stood by Jim's side, offering reassurance. "Don't be panic. I'll

Theo, it seemed that he favored women over men, withholding his blessings from Jim entirely.

upon me." She slowly unveiled the card, squinting her eyes in anticipation. "Oh my god, Theo, you're incredible! Look at me! Self-made victory!"