adult who could make her own decisions and take the resulting consequences. I knew he was the head of the police and my boss. I also knew that he was probably looking after me and my sa

ay for long periods every day. But today, it was different because I had to make up for the three hours I was unconscious, plus my regular working hours, of course. So, I had been apart from my daug

e said in her cute and sweet way

d answer made her smile. Soon enough, her contagious smile made me laugh with pleasure while

o good, Mommy," she answered with a sparkle in her eyes. "But did you know that Aunt Ingrid

k, saying, "Oh, really? So, how did

ling Ingrid's secret. "S

ected lovingly, an

she laughed, feeling ticklish. Well, she tick

That's just awful! I thought I were your favorite aunt," Ingrid complained, preten

replied, holding her face in her hands, shak

aunts from kindergart

d-aunts. You are

at answer would make the coldest person on Earth emotional.

a bear hug," Ingrid sa

ered one of her favorite cartoons

ngrid's embrace, almost throwing her

ave contact with my sister, she was still Alice's aunt, and nothing would change that. There was also another family member my daughter hadn't met, my mother. I didn't know how either of them was doing since we hadn't spoken for years. My heart was heavy, not knowing what

nd that mess, so I thought it w

s time to kiss Aunt

ing my bag o

to bed now. I'm a big girl, and I can go to bed

y my role as a mother, "Alice!" I

handshake with Ingrid. That was their rit

you, Aun

ing," Ingrid answered, h

beautiful angel. There was no question in my mind that I would give my life for her if necessary. I prayed for her safety every single day and for her happiness. My greatest fear was that the monster would find out about her and would come to take her away fro

for that, I needed to get approval from the justice system, no matter how difficult it could be. My case wasn't a standard suit. Actually, I didn't think something like

succeed in the test, being much harder to pass than the bar exam. But I wouldn't give up. Since I started m

w to form and write words and to read them, too. Isn't it

ins and turned t

r side on the bed

the word you

first word my daught

f because her words felt like a sl

. But I should have been since I knew this moment would come ev

d most. I had tears in my eyes when she continued, "All my fr

l the hurt in life, especially from that one. But I couldn't, and there was no alternative except accepting the fact. Anyway, I wou

and your mom," I answered, trying to les

sad smile before

finger on her lips. "It's past your bedtime.

e answered

off the light and watched her get snug u

in everything going through my head and got all my feelings off my chest. She wa

e. She told me they learned how to form their first written

ew this would happen eventually, and so did you. To te

prepared for that.

so frus

not a very experienced cook and took all measures not to get burned. She was about two fee

mind—that I'm her dad and her mom as wel

er and fulfill your role as a provider and caretaker to perfection. She has everything she needs and wishes. I cannot help but see you as this strong woman you are, a great warrior. But your explanation isn't fair to your daughter. You can't let her believe that. Be honest with her. Y

hold them back. My daughter wouldn't ever have a typical f

right, a

ve endured so much and faced all the difficulties that came your way. We went through so muc

Do you remember our time in college? Everybody thought that we were a couple because

at the memory. Tho

e university every single

fuck themselves. Nobody should have interfered in how we lived. What if we were a couple? We didn't bother anybody. Bes

h at the memories of the past. Ingrid was such a great friend and had a special touch with people. And I admired her for that. First, she would scold me and give me so

d I feel I was a terrible mother. With all the flaws a person might have, I

ad the impression that you were sulk

l that happened on my first day at t

ut your sexual adventures

ways reacted like that when she had an opportunity to talk

What a night! And I can't even desc

ur business relationship? Don't you think it will be strange to meet him after that? I guess you

from behind and how rough he could be at times

d at her

hat 'he who laughs last, laughs best.' I'll be the one laughing

ill never happen, ever. The thought of it makes my stomach turn. He is so arrogant and conceited! I concluded that he's bipolar!

my comment, amused

ts like that. One dislikes the other, thinking the other is unpleasant, rude, or whatever.

well that won't

in a while. Have fun! How long has it been since you had

sn't bother me in the least. I'm happy with my

o to a party tomor

ired and will go to

chen because I knew I'd cave in if I stayed.