She expertly climbed the marbled stairs despite her debilitated state, in other words a daily occurrence. Marik scowled in response, shoulders taut with frustration. The woman stared at her son's steely gaze with cold indifference.

  “Marik,” she asserted.

  “Here.” Marik grabbed a rumpled sheet from his left pocket, swallowing air. He knew it would hurt her... A rotten thing to do he realized, and yet remembering it all caused a inflection of venom to spurt from his lips...

  “That's—” Eyes bulging, she knew he spoke the truth but her status demanded ignorance leaving nothing but silent acquiescent, grimacing internally she hasten her steps, nevertheless she stopped midway, grabbing the letter.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

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  Marik bawled his eyes out, haphazardly falling to his knees, he begged forgiveness, yet none would take it. Her gentle silence, siphoned his fear and loathing leaving a worn husk of a boy. Tears spent the boy rocked himself to sleep, exhausted moreover relieved, dreaming of days past.

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