That's a good point that she starts with. If the boy is already resentful he's not so sure that's going to get better. He expected her to say she could defend herself.
But, when she speaks of her parents, his back straightens, breath drawing. His brows knot, horror and sympathy hitting like a pang in his chest. It's probably for the best she looks away when he's looking at her like this.
But she's learning him fast. She's quick to speak, to leave him no avenue. He takes it anyway.
His hand goes out, reaching for hers. He places his gently over top.
"You're not a terrible daughter. Listen to you, thinking of your parents even now. All this love you have for them, but you still make room for caring more. Speaking as a dead man, as... all you know of me, and as a father of a little girl who's growing up so similarly brave and kind... If it were me, Masaki, I'd be proud. So, so proud. And I'd want you to remember that." He smiles, aching with it. He draws back.
"You've already sat and talked with me. You've been nothing but kind. And forgiving. With all you've gone through, that's so much more than you're giving yourself credit for. I think, whatever you do, remember that the very best way to honor the memory of those who love you is to do whatever serves you best. Whatever is more likely to bring you peace. That's what I'd want for my girl."
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But, when she speaks of her parents, his back straightens, breath drawing. His brows knot, horror and sympathy hitting like a pang in his chest. It's probably for the best she looks away when he's looking at her like this.
But she's learning him fast. She's quick to speak, to leave him no avenue. He takes it anyway.
His hand goes out, reaching for hers. He places his gently over top.
"You're not a terrible daughter. Listen to you, thinking of your parents even now. All this love you have for them, but you still make room for caring more. Speaking as a dead man, as... all you know of me, and as a father of a little girl who's growing up so similarly brave and kind... If it were me, Masaki, I'd be proud. So, so proud. And I'd want you to remember that." He smiles, aching with it. He draws back.
"You've already sat and talked with me. You've been nothing but kind. And forgiving. With all you've gone through, that's so much more than you're giving yourself credit for. I think, whatever you do, remember that the very best way to honor the memory of those who love you is to do whatever serves you best. Whatever is more likely to bring you peace. That's what I'd want for my girl."