Demyan
"She was concerned," Pa smiled, "She loves you very much Demyan. She only wants the best for you."
I swallowed a gulp of my hot chocolate then shrugged, "You were right Dad."
He let out a sigh and looked to Pa, "That's something I ever wanted to hear Demyan. I find no joy in this whatsoever and I'm sorry."
"He's everything and worse," my voice broke as I blinked away my tears, "I was just his and now I'm not anymore."
For the first time Pa looked like the one close to tears and he pulled me away from Dad then cradled my head in his arms. I closed my eyes listening to his heartbeat. Steady and strong just like him. I remembered all the days after a bad day at school how I would crawl to him on the couch, sit on his lap and listen to his heartbeat until it helped the pain go away.
