ia'

e, replaced by a cold and dead atmosphere. My clothes stuck to my skin, soaked fro

nished. If anything, it intensified,

picked up a glass, poured alcohol into it, and took it to the living room. My han

ed on the TV, indifferent to the content. The sound invaded t

chair. He exhaled gently, a sigh that expressed more th

t...but the

happ

as if he already knew the answe

at the television. A dramatic soap opera playe

tt

er said again, l

tired, dark circles beneath them a testament to his sleep

b," I said, m

nked.

y job because I stayed home taking care of you and Wanda. Because I was th

t tightened, and before I could stop them, tears

ar. He parted his lips, then shut them as tho

on. "You were supposed to be strong. You were supposed to hold us together, b

job today, Dad! I got on my knees and pleaded,

e television's noise beco

father

crossed the room and pu

iffe

ey had been and as he talked, his voic

murmured. "I'm tr

etermined not to allo

Wanda like that... It broke me and I let it break me. But I sh

ly, looking me in the

moment, I s

a deep brea

mitted. "But...

his expression so

ed back. "I need to chang

ed aside while I

es, I returned to the living room

dinner hit

fr

down plates of steaming food. Wanda sat nea

wned.

's been a while since I cooked for you both

ced at

here was something in her eyes. Not gri

before she began to speak. "I don't want to

to the table, sitting down. My

sh flowed to my finger

or a bit until my fa

ing down his utensils. "They might

, surprised

"If you're

ys, a genuine smile appe

then at our father.

ng dangerous or str

ed about Maria. I was worried about the poor e

you know I'm a funny a

first smirk I'd s

t and genuine, the sound forei

help but

lks, more warmth. It wasn't perfect.

was som

d stretched. "I think I'

ll make some calls to

n reached out and squeezed hi

ine briefly. "Get

ed to

g flashed in her eyes, bef

d. "Goo

k a deep breath, my thoughts ra

..I felt I had