Chapter 89

It wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

Perhaps it was because the conversation didn't last very long. Julia and David were wary, but they still wanted to meet our father. In part, it was a wise decision to trust Damien. Meeting him made my brothers less afraid, as he was now just a thin, tired-looking man. Damien and I stayed in the room the whole time. At the end of the meandering conversation, he wanted to hug his children. David agreed first, Julia was still fearful, but eventually accepted.

- I'll come back later, when the results are in. - He stopped in front of me.

- Okay. - I agreed without looking at him.

- Can I hug you? - He asked. His voice was again full of melancholy. I didn't answer, but tightened my arms around Damien.

- You'd better go. - Damien spoke for me. - The results will be ready at three.

And then he finally left.

- Is he staying with us now? - Julia threw the question into the air.

- No, he won't. - I rushed to answer. - You c