Prologue
Sophia Moore, charming in her youth, blossomed as the only child under the shelter, protection, and tender care of her well-educated, working-class parents, Bernard and Cecilia Moore.
Unaware of the world beyond, she only knew the immense love showered upon her. The love story of Bernard and Cecilia began at an internship interview, marked by love at first sight, setting the foundation for their journey together.
Bound by a deep and inseparable love, Bernard and Cecilia Moore were like two sides of a coin, yearning for nothing more than a happy home for their beloved daughter.
However, tragedy struck when Cecilia was diagnosed with breast cancer, shattering their once blissful home. Bernard, who cherished and adored his wife, felt torn apart at the prospect of losing her.
Despite his inner turmoil, he had to be strong for Cecilia's sake and that of their daughter. They made every effort to shield her from the intensity of the situation, perhaps hoping to spare her from the trauma.
As their finances dwindled and Cecilia's response to treatment remained elusive, Bernard, undeterred, sought assistance from loan sharks. Despite giving his all, fate had different plans.
Cecilia's battle came to an end a few weeks before Christmas, surrounded by her husband and daughter. Sophia, in a state of hysteria, attempted self-harm, her soul in despair as she witnessed the pale and unresponsive form of the woman she had grown to love and cherish. With the support of those around her, Sophia was eventually consoled.
In a daze, Bernard sat stupefied, grappling with the stark reality before him. His once beautiful and loving wife now lay on the bed, her warmth replaced by a quirky smile on her livid, bony face. Meanwhile, his daughter remained in a state of hysteria.
Contrary to expectations, Bernard's reaction was surprisingly composed. Deep down, he acknowledged that subsequent Christmases would never be the same—devoid of the vibrant energy that existed when his wife was alive. Despite voices echoing from a distance and the blurry, worry-etched faces around him, he remained still and collected, resembling a ticking time bomb.
In a state of detached numbness, Bernard sat physically present but mentally engulfed in a whirlwind, shutting out the world and himself from the pain and harsh reality that surrounded him.
