Sneak Peek: Makaio Ch1 (1) (Patreon)

"You have found the gardens, I see." You move only your eyes to see who has intruded on time meant solely for you. The man who regards himself as your father stands there, focusing on a bright, blossoming plant.

"And you have found me."

"Not on purpose. I will sometimes walk these paths when I need to think. I had not expected you to be here. I'm even more shocked to see you awake."

"Why?"

"You have been sleeping for some time. Two days, in fact." He takes a seat next to you.

[[Move farther away.]]

You move to the far end of the seat, not bothering to look at him, for you do not care if the action hurts him or not.

"And why should you?" the Voice questions curiously, "do you think he cared if his actions hurt your feelings? When he closed that carriage door and waved good riddance, how many tears do you think graced his face? You should ask. Compare."

[[Stay where you are.]]

Did you not wish for him to think his presence bothered you? Or maybe you wanted to physically show that you had been here first and had no intention of moving. 

"Or maybe you missed your dear old father," the Voice hisses. "The same father who sent you away and has been living pleasantly for decades while you suffered in the cold. Ask him does his feathers turn to ash when he shifts, or do they glimmer like how a royal's feathers should."

You do not ask that. You ask nothing, choosing to remain quiet.

"There is much I would like to say to you," he whispers, "but I am not sure how." You feel his eyes travel to you, perhaps hoping for you to give him some kind of indication.

He chuckles, "the last time I saw you, you were but a child. Running around without a care and calling my name to help you defeat monsters that lived deep beneath your bed. Or having me act as a night light due to your fear of the darkness."

"I'm not afraid of the dark," you blurt, frowning as not even you understand why you chose to finally speak and why that was the words of choice.

"Yes," he trails off, "I'm sure there are very few things you are afraid of now."

"Now ask me who helped get over those things," you continue. "Ask me who stood by my side and held my hand while facing countless fears."

"$name."

"Ask me."

He flinches, sadness overflowing as he gazes over at you with eyes beginning to water, "who?"

"Me. No one but me. I faced that darkness alone."

"It's far better to get such emotions off your chest," the Voice whispers in your ear in an almost melodic tone, "was he not your father? Was he not supposed to protect you? Where was he?"

"Where were you?" you shout, getting to your feet, "every tear that ran down my face, and scream for help. Where were you when your child was lying broken?"

"$name -"

"Stop saying my name as if that will change any of this. If that erases years and years of pain." 

"I'm sorry."

[[“The weak normally are.”]]

[[“I am too.”]]

[[Leave.]]