~Recap~

Azura sighs subtly as she replies, “Our happiness is not in these gems or treasure, Dad. Our happiness is when you live longer and healthier with us. Same as you say. That's why we're a family, right?”

Judging the look on Frederick's face, it was already confirmed that it was more than right. The little family just wanted each other to be content and happy and mostly, just to be with each other. Because the duo already had someone's absence and hence just their presence was a pure blessing for them.

“Right, sweetie. You are right. Your mother always stated the same as you. Always reminded me to be alert, secure and safe so that I'll never get hurt or get away from her. And I even did keep myself all in place every time. Who knew that it was Vivian who needed the safety the most which I couldn't ever give to her and so she left us. Left me, forever.”

______

“No, Dad. No. That is not true.”

“Yes, it is and yes, it's true!” The man's unexpected raise in tone makes the younger lady flinch a little on her spot. The same voice of the said man continues. “It is true that your mother is gone. It is true that she can never be with me again because I lost her forever in depths and that's just because I was weak. I was a coward. I was a pathetic husband and probably a pathetic father, too.”

It was enough for Azura to hear her father false mouthing himself as straights up and exclaims. “Just stop it, Dad. Just stop.”

Now it was Frederick's turn to flinch at Azura's act as he looked at his daughter silently. She continues with her stand. “You always say that you are the reason why Mom was hurt and left us. Well, I think I can agree with it because who won't be hurt by the fact that their loved ones keep degrading themselves for something they're not at fault. Of course Mom won't ever be pleased with you blaming yourself for everything that was not even in your hands in the first place.” Azura takes a pause as she tries to calm her tone down a little.

“What happened to Mom was really unfortunate and maybe she could have been saved but it didn't have to be only you out there. Now I know that you're gonna say that you were the only one that Mom had but it doesn't mean that whatever she faced or suffered was because of you.” The daughter adds after the short pause.

There was another short moment of silence as she looked down before looking back up and voicing further, “Okay, suppose you saved her that day but that does not mean that something uncertain would never happen again. She could get involved in an accident while shopping. Or while eating or even just breathing so what should one do? Prevent others from breathing? Living this life itself is like living on the edge, Dad. We'll never know what's going to happen next. Anything can change within seconds. Even the history changes. Then what are we? Especially when we live around the woods.”

“So everything is literally because we live in the woods. I should have known. In the end, it's my fault. Isn't it, Azura?”

Despite Azura's heavy demonstration of emotion, Frederick was still so on making the blame to himself which was now getting on Azura's nerves but since she doesn't want to make the situation even worse than it was already getting, she takes a sigh and gazes at his father with soft eyes.

Obviously. How can she raise her voice at the man who sacrificed his everything for her and despite having the absence of his wife and Azura's mother, never has he ever let Azura feel the emptiness of a mother in her life.

If he was a great father, then at the same time, he was the best mother that anyone could ask for. Azura wasn't sure about others but she was pretty sure that no mama could be compared to Frederick by any means. Although she never had a chance to be with her own mama, she could tell that Frederick could surpass her even if she was here.

No. That absolutely didn't mean that Azura didn't miss the affection of her mother or wouldn't wish her to be with them. Like, what kind of child would not wish for their mother's presence in their lives?

Of course she did! But the whole point was that her father was the best regardless of anything or anyone and she must protect him now that she was growing and becoming responsible.

Not a drop of tear should appear in Frederick's eyes while she was still alive.

“It isn't, Dad.” Azura whispers after a pause of silence. “The actual thing that's at fault is time. Yes, time is in the lead and we're all under it regardless of what or who we are. But this doesn't mean that it can't be wrong. Not every time the people are wrong. Sometimes, it's time as well. Since it has the power of every second we breathe and live, it decides to bring us unexpected and unforeseen tests of life and makes us remember that we are nothing but a slave of time.”

Frederick finally looks into Azura's sharp eyes and speaks, “That is right. Honey. But, time did give me many hints and chances yet–”

“Yet that happened because what time gave you at those very moments were only hints of fear. I know that you only want good things for everyone and literally everything and you even try to have these fulfilled on your own which is why you straight blame yourself when something unfortunate happens but never take even an ounce of credit when something great happens. But believe me, Dad. I can tell you that every happy moment that I experienced in my life is just because of you. And I'm pretty sure that Mom would say this, too.”

The man's expression goes curious as Azura mentions his wife. “Are you sure that your mother would say that?”

Shifting her touch and tone into a lighter one, Azura beams. “She has actually said it. What do you think? You're the only one to whom Mom secretly interacts? Like okay, you are for sure a treasure hunter but don't be so entitled, Mr. Hunter Barnes.” Concludes the lady playfully as both daughter and father begin laughing in unison as the mood and tension lightens up.

Just as Frederick said, Azura could be all silent and bland around others but when she was with him, she was the best motivator and entertainer. And most of, she was probably the best daughter.