Wow!! Powerful beginning and such a tough and sad set up for Clark, as well as Martha and Jonathan.
Although so far, I don't think it's too difficult for me, but I hope it won't get any darker -- your warnings seem to say that it won't, so I am ready to be patient for its progress. I'm also assuming that your mention of it being several stories means that this one will resolve in a few chapters and not keep us in this stance for too long. Otherwise
