Alyssa POV
The wake was over and the house was eerily silent. I saw the staff putting away leftover food, and drinks and putting away chairs while Theodore stood there watching. I put a gentle hand on his arm, noting the stiffness of his posture, and sniffed, noting the stench of alcohol on his breath. He had been drinking, heavily. Part of me wanted to chide him for his foolishness, considering that excess consumption of alcohol had contributed to Dahlia's death, part of me understood his desire to try and drink away his pain and sorrows. I had refrained, playing the role of hostess as Theodore remained in the background, unable or unwilling to mingle with his guests, a look of frustration on his face.
"Theodore" my voice is quiet as he looks at me, his eyes somewhat glazed "you should
