In the quiet town of Eldridge Hollow, nestled between rolling hills and dense woods, there was a peculiar garden that drew the attention of passerbys. It was a vibrant tapestry of color with flowers blooming in every hue imaginable. The garden belonged to Victor Hale, a reclusive man known for his green thumb and eccentrics. Few ventured near his property, for whispers of his odd behavior floated through the streets like autumn leaves in the wind.
Victor had always been an outsider, a man who prefers the company of plants over people. He spent his days tending to his garden, meticulous arranging each flower and shrub, nurturing them with devotion that borded on obsession. But beneath the surface of this idyllic facade lay a darkness that few could fathom.
Years ago, Victor had been a different man, one who had loved deeply and lost tragically. The death of his wife, Rachel, had shattered him, leaving a...