"I'm not seeking penance for what I've done, Father. I'm asking forgiveness for what I'm about to do."
or
In which Cecilia Murdock picked up her father's mantle only to have old enemies resurface while she's trying to navigate through college and h...
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"Like forever, forever?"
2010
Matt knew something was wrong as soon as he stepped foot into the apartment building, he could hear Foggy attempting to comfort a wailing Cecilia, he could hear her little heart beating fast in her chest and her constricted breathing.
As soon as he was through their door he was rushing to kneel in front of his daughter who was sitting on the floor against the couch with Foggy behind her, her knees pulled up to her chest with her face buried in them.
"It's getting worse Matt," Foggy sighed as Matt reached his hands out and gently pried his daughter's hands from her face, his thumb trailing down her nose softly as he did so.
"Daddy!" She managed to hiccup, her voice laced with fear. He knew her heart was still beating at a far too rapid rate so he carefully pulled her into his lap.
"Hey sweet girl, I need you to count with me," Matt whispered pressing his lips to the side of her head as he spoke, his hands rubbing down her arms soothingly. They weren't exactly sure why it happened but it seemed young Cecilia had panic attacks, which usually only happened when her father wasn't around.
Foggy had stood from the couch and went to get her something to drink as well as start a bath for her. His mind already trying to decide what she'd want for dinner from her favorite restaurant.
Cecilia shook her head back and forth slightly as the tears continued to fall from her eyes, her small hand gripping his own tightly. "Hey, hey. You're okay," Matt soothed listening as she silently whispered numbers to herself. Her heartbeat slowed down back to its normal pace, the sound music to Matt's ears.
The man let out a soft sigh as he spun her around so she had her arms and legs wrapped around him while they sat on the apartment floor. Cecilia's hands clung to the back of her father's shirt while one of his was in her hair and the other gently rubbed her back.
"I love you."
"I love you, dad."
December 2024
"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned..." Cecilia's voice wobbled as she clutched her hands together in her lap tightly, the small dark space oddly soothing for her. She didn't feel like she had to look over her shoulder.
"My father used to bring me here when I was younger, I remember hiding behind his legs because I was scared of how dark it was in here. I've learned to appreciate that now for the art it is," Cecilia knew he wouldn't interrupt her until she had gotten to her point, they never did.
