With so many eyes on the family, the Clouds have chosen to be candid about Connor’s life and death, even as they don’t entirely know why he killed himself, even as they often fumble about which steps to take. But they don’t want other families to experience what they’ve been through. They want to raise awareness about suicide, end the stigma.

Charles, Cynthia, Wyatt and Cynthia’s mother, Myra Yates, stand in what was once Connor’s room. The room is mostly empty, as flooring and other finishing work still need to be completed in the house.

Leaning against the wall are pictures of Connor as a child at the beach in California, as a little boy in his favorite pajamas, on a hike with his girlfriend.

“What do I do with his bed?” Cynthia said. “What do I do with his stuff?”

As for the room, Wyatt, 15, will move in.

“They fought over the room,” Charles said. “I asked Wyatt, ‘Are you going to let Connor win? He’s gone.’ He said, ‘You’re right. I’ll take that room.’”

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