Chapter 38

We sat in the family room, the most private space in the home. My family and I spend a lot of time in this space. The room remains unchanged; no objects or ornaments are removed, added, or modified.

There was simply a piano and a white sheepskin rug. There is no television since we use this space to talk about various topics to get to know each other better.

A family photo hangs on the wall. Photo when I was a baby. My father carried me, and my mother carried my big brother. They all grinned broadly at the camera while I stared at my dad with dilated pupils.

I sat between my father and brother. Tayron sat across from us with his back straight and eyes fixed on me. He told me via mind link that he felt tense and awkward.

"I'm sorry, darling. I'm late to find you." Dad hugged me tightly. "I shouldn't have let you go by myself, or I should have sent warriors to watch over you. I won't repeat my negligence."

"I'm really sorry. I should have waited for you, not you. That event would not ha