Chapter 83: The Unspoken Words

They were gathered in the meeting room. Hank was already sitting at his usual spot facing the door when everyone else entered. It was supposed to be only Chad and Stacy but Will insisted on tagging along. Zalen followed in case Chad needed help.

Stacy let out a breathy laugh. “What’s with the formal occasion? Are we having a meeting or something?” Chad placed a hand on her back, quietly assuring her. “This is the only room where we can have privacy of discussion,” Zalen explained.

Her eyes then fell on the man at the opposite side of the table. Curiosity shone in them. Will leaned against the wall behind them. Tension radiated from his body as he watched the room with dissatisfaction. He had been against this whole idea but nobody would listen to him. Even Stacy pushed forward for this meeting to happen.

“He’s the man I want you to meet,” Chad introduced, his voice soft. Hank stood up involuntarily. His eyes never leave the girl in front of him.

Stacy gave him a small polite smile. “Hi,” she greeted.

They stood still on their spots, the table in between them. Stacy was studying him with the curiosity of a child, her eyes shining with anticipation as she tried to find out who he was.

Hank, however, was overcome by emotions. The girl standing in front of him was his daughter. She grew up so quickly. The last time he saw her was years ago when he sent her away. Finally, he got to see her in a peaceful situation, to really look at her without the disruption of any danger lurking around them.

Without her brooding aura and the eyes that scanned everyone around her like they were potential threats, she emanated a sense of freshness and naiveness, exactly like her mother when she was young. They looked alike.

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you,” she said when he didn’t. Instead of saying anything, he rounded the table and moved nearer to her. Instead of walking, he looked like he gravitated, all the while having his full attention on her.

Chad looked at the man in front of him. He’s never been a father before, but somehow, at the moment, he could feel his intense emotion diffusing into the air and affecting the people around him. The infamous man everyone agreed as evil was now showing a very different side to him.

Stacy didn’t back away nor move forward. She stayed on her spot as the stranger moved nearer to her. Will pushed himself off the wall. His eyes focused on Hank, ready to swoop in anytime the man made a move.

Hank stopped right in front of his daughter. His hand moved on its own, raising slowly towards her. She didn’t stop him or look uncomfortable. She was passive as she continued studying his every movements and expressions.

Will was about to rush forward to push him away when Zalen stopped him.

Tears welled up in the man’s eyes, betraying years of endurance, longing and loneliness. He opened his mouth to take a shaky breath. “Let me look at you,” his voice was soft but thick with emotions.

His hand hung in the air, waiting for her permission. Stacy’s eyes moved as she really looked into his. Slowly, she nodded once. Chad stepped to the side to give room to them, hovering only near enough to make sure that she’s safe and felt safe.

The hand moved forward carefully, reaching for her face. His movement was soft as he caressed her face, as if she was delicate enough to break if he exerted any force.

The tears welling at the edge of his eyes flowed down his cheeks in a smooth motion. “I’m sorry,” the words escaped with a choke. “Thank you for holding on. Thank you for staying alive,” he pulled her into an embrace.

Stacy didn’t move nor fight. She simply let the man wrap his arms around her as he cried. Slowly, she raised her arms and returned the hug.

“I’m useless. I let you suffer. I’m sorry,” he continued on, his voice thick with emotions, letting the intensity of years of grievance flow out in the form of words.

Stacy patted his back as his body trembled. She was still confused as to what was happening but she acted based on the emotions she felt.

“Everything is going to be okay,” she said as she patted his back. Her voice was soothing as she tried to comfort him. Everyone watched in silence as she held him.

She didn’t know why but she felt like she had to say it. She wanted to tell him.

“You tried your best.”

The moment those words escaped her mouth, he broke down. All the emotions he tried to reel in came flowing out into the open.

A man never cries - that was what they were told and learned growing up. But those words did it. Whether she understood the weight of what she said, she successfully acknowledged all his sufferings and effort throughout the years. Even after all that she’s gone through because of him, those words were another level of understanding. There was no hatred, only compassion.

He understood well that it was only possible because she didn’t have those horrible memories. He had come to terms with it that his one and only daughter would never forgive him in this life. Still, it hurt and he learnt to live with it. It wasn’t until he saw her after knowing what she’s gone through all those years that he realized he couldn’t suppress the yearning even after years of convincing that nothing mattered.

He’d secretly have someone to look after her after she was sent away. It wasn’t safe to stay with him when there were people around them aimed to have her gone. He had to act like he didn’t care so she wouldn’t be a target. Even so, she didn’t have it any better out there. She escaped the syndicate group and the men he had planted there to protect her couldn’t track her down.

It was unsettling to not have any news on her. At some point, he had hoped that she had a quick death and escape this torturous world. But when he finally saw her, he was glad she made it through. He was grateful she lived.

“Thank you..” his voice came out in a whisper.

Thank you for staying alive.