You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 483

"... Dad, about this... Paul always used to craft in his mind words I never told... yet Theressa does know I am able to talk now."

"... she does?"

"Yes... has she not told you about it?"

"... Dear... I..." — The pain in his expression could not be concealed as he was to convey an answer to my curiosity, for I had thought she would tell as soon as an opportunity appeared. — "Your decision I truly do not oppose it. Now that we are talking about your siblings... I have paid visits to your sister as much as I have managed to for I need permission to do so... Paul cannot receive any visits... Yet your sister... as I told you before she only cries day and night..."

"... is she being mistreated at prison?"

"... no... Theressa... ever since we found you at that house, she has not stopped crying... she barely eats... she wouldn’t answer to my words and continue saying that... she’s at fault for your death..."

"She’s not aware that I am alive?"

"... I went to see her this morning... when I told her... Sigh... dear... I do not know what to think of any of this anymore... We should not talk about this."

"Why? What happened, father??"

"... She finally looked over where I stood... she smiled so... so widely... as if a little child again... yet she broke into tears soon after... saying the gods finally did good to you... that she was relieved and wanted her sentence..."

"..."

"Marianne... I don’t know if it’s an act... I cannot tell anymore... I don’t want my being her father to cloud my reasoning, for what she did is not something I will let alone."

"..."

"Nonetheless... I..."

He stopped saying further as he probably knew it was wiser... affected by the situation for even if fair... dad loved us his children... and was suffering at the situation our doings led us to.

"I will go meet her." — I announced, already thinking about doing it before Dad told any of this, yet feeling its necessity strengthen at his words. However, his surprised eyes changed into ones of reluctance quickly, however, I was to continue telling my intentions. — "I will see with my own eyes. And do not fear for myself, dad... I will not let kindness win over my cleverness."

"... Even so..."

"There are a few things I would like to ask her. Do not worry about my health for never have I been healthier. Doctor Deslys already told you this. Please trust his words and myself."

"... Sigh... May I at least go with you?"

"... No."

"..."

"I will go by myself." — Attempting to not be as strict in my sound when it was apparent in Dad’s face how conflicted my denial made him, I decided that it was time for me to let him know that I was no longer to let everything be taken care of by others... much less when it has to do with my own matters. — "Dad... you well may tell... that although I am myself... things have changed."

"... Even so, Marianne..."

"I know, Dad... no matter how much I grow or mature, you will always be concerned about myself..." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"..."

"There are things I have to do on my own. Furthermore when I worked so hard to be able to do so."

"... Dear... I know what you are saying is correct... yet even so... I fear that meeting her may have a negative reaction in you... It has barely been a day since your eyes opened, I do not want you to experience unnecessary hazards."

"I will be careful. For it is necessary to me, father."

"..."

"I promise I will be careful."

It was clear that he was not convinced, and so, I lifted my hand, catching his attention with its motion, for the trick he had taught was done before his bothered eyes. Meeting mine that was confident of the aid they would give if needed... no matter if it was instantly or little after...

"I promise, yes?" — I repeated, finally achieving his soft smile to brighten his demeanour in resigned agreement.

"I will be alert to every sound. Do be careful for I trust your word, sweetie."

"Yes. Thank you very much~" — I said wishing to widen his smile, successfully doing so. And taking one of the delicacies served, I did as we accustomed... this time with my own sound instead of the words in a post-it notes... that I still carried in my dress’s pocket. — "Which one should we try first?"

*******

Easygoing and warm, Dad and I enjoyed our breakfast as if no problem surrounded our lives after agreeing to my plans. At times when I spoke I feigned ignorance of his attentive stare that was looking at myself with awe at the voice I had not let out in years and was using so effortlessly now.

It felt delightful a morning. Tender and peaceful, filled with brief little caresses, he would give my cheek unconsciously... Too happy about this new behaviour that the gods with an agreement had allowed. Eventually making my playfulness emerge as he was doing it too much.

"... Father has been pinching my cheek too often today. Is it that I have crumbs getting to it~?" — I said to this last one he gave, teasingly.

"!? Oh, have I? Haha... I am sorry if it bothered you... I suppose my hand moved on its own, dear."

"I do not feel bothered by it~ Father’s affection is welcomed... I have given so many worries to you that it relieves myself that I get this instead of reprimands, haha."

"Hm... I will reprimand you if I have to, however."

"..."

"I said if I have to, what is with that expression? Haha~"

"... Father... your expression was serious, it was a little scary."

"Oh, was it? That is good. Otherwise, you will take my words lightly, sweetie."

"... Then, for example, you once said that as your daughter I should not say bad words... if I do let out a bad word-"

"It better be for good reasons. Remember that I will not allow it."