Ashes Reverie

(v)

Fedrick remained silent. He just didn't want to say anything, his gaze fixed on her. She tried again, "Hello, sir. Can I assist you with something?"

He returned to his senses, saying she was exceptionally skilled at guiding others as a coach.

She acknowledged his kind words with a smile. "Thank you, sir, but I'm not the coach. The coach is sick, and I'm delivering duty in his place."

He broke his gaze, looking down at the ground.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his mind became consumed by deep contemplation.

After a moment of intense reflection, he lifted his head and said softly, "Don't call me sir again; you can just call me by my name."

She raised her eyes to his, and her breath caught at the sight of his captivating features.

Before she could utter a word, he spoke in a soft voice. "See you soon," and departed on his way.

She stood there, transfixed, her gaze following him as he disappeared into the distance. She didn't figure out anything, but deep down she was thinking, "Who exactly is this man?"

Emma greeted him warmly as she saw him. "Good afternoon," and then asked directly, "You seem different to me. Did something happen today?"

Fedrick's eyes narrowed. "No?" A short answer, as always.

"I've never seen you like this. Your eyes are like they are smiling," Emma answered.

"Perhaps you are just overthinking it," Fedrick said, "but your eyes betray you; they're sparkling with a smile, shining brighter than words can say."

He stared at her, his eyes filled with concern about Emma. She knew him so well, or maybe they both knew each other so well.

"You know, sometimes I feel like you're my own daughter," he said. "Your intelligence is truly remarkable."

"Oh come on, Mr. Fedrick, I already know I'm intelligent, but what matters most is that you're the only person left in my life after Mom and Dad passed away," she said smiling, but deep down she wasn't. She was happy about the fact he was with her, but at the same time she was missing her parents so badly. He was the only person she trusted.

He knew what she was thinking and what she was feeling right now, so he wanted her to feel better. "Good girl. I'm always proud of you, butterfly, and I'll be there for you. Just call me, okay?"

She promised.

"Now let's go," Fedrick said, holding her hand.

"Where are we going today?" Emma questioned.

"We are going to my pla-"

"My aunt will scold me if I'm late," she said before he could complete.

"What's in this to be scolded?" He was angry but spoke politely.

"Nothing, nothing. It's just she's worried about me."

He knew there was something not right. She had been hiding something for a while. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. Now be silent and stop thinking."

She was sitting in his small, beautiful, and clean house, where most things were arranged by Emma. He loved to see things arranged by her.

She was the only child he was polite with and loved so much.

He wanted to keep Emma in his house, but when he rescued her, she was so small. He didn't raise her, so he handed her to her aunt, believing that she was nice to her.

But now it was time to give her a good place.