Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: After the Storm
AUTHOR: Nell Iris
PUBLISHER: JMS Books
LENGTH: 45 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 28, 2024
BLURB:
Six years ago, eleven-year-old Vega died in a car crash caused by a drunken driver. The crushing grief created a rift between her fathers, Arn and Fox. The anger burning hot over the unfairness of a young life taken away too soon tore the remains of their little family unit apart, and Arn and Fox went their separate ways.
On the anniversary of Vega’s death, they meet again for the first time since their split. The old feelings are still there, as intense as ever, but can they overcome the hurt and find their way back to each other? Or will the absence of their darling girl prove to be too much?
REVIEW:
Note: This story deals with the off-page death of a child and the aftermath of that loss and how it affect her rather and his partner.
Arn always goes to his daughter’s favorite place on hike up a cliff on the anniversary of her death. This year, when he gets there, he seems someone else there. Turns out it’s his ex-fiance Fox who hadn’t intended to stay as long as he did. They have a brief chat and Arn notices that he’s still wearing his engagement rink. They haven’t spoken since Arn pushed Fox away in the depths of his grief. This is something he regrets deeply.
Fox leaves, but then he returns to a crying Arn. They talk some more and agree to breakfast. What does all this mean? Arn is back to functioning but he’s never stopped loving Fox and realizes that telling him to go was the stupidest thing he’s ever done. Can he ask for forgiveness? Fox certainly doesn’t owe him a thing, but maybe breakfast is a good start at some forward progress.
*sigh* Once again, Nell Iris, the veritable queen of the short story manages to pull at the heart strings in another beautiful story of love, loss, recovery and love again. She never fails to shed light on the poignancy of real life and love. This relationship felt so authentic. Anyone who has watched a family/couple fall apart after the loss of a child (and it’s far too common) will glimpse that reality here. The advocacy for grief counselling and finding meaning in life after loss was spot on – unobtrusive but present. The openness to acknowledging mistakes and realizing that the love didn’t die with the child was beautiful to see. I am completed astounded at how this family and their extended relatives and pasts, present and future can be so fully realized in 51 pages. An absolute treasure. So hopeful and gorgeous. Highly recommended.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
JMS Books
Nell Iris is always an instant buy for me. Can’t wait to read this.