The Weight of Regret

Over an hour later, Clara stepped out of the taxi and stood on the sidewalk in front of her apartment, stunned as she gazed at a tree.

The first snow of winter hadn't arrived yet, and all the leaves had fallen, leaving only bare branches swaying in the cold wind.

Clara gently patted the trunk of the tree. Some trees may look strong from the outside, but their insides are hollow. Onlookers waiting