La Glace

Hope? Shattered and Restored

"For the last time, Kongo, she can't skate."

A sigh escaped her lips, hands going to her face as she rubbed her frustration away. Euclasia Suleth looked up to the tall man, a frown set on her face as she slowly crossed her arms. She was a figure skating coach, known to teach anyone and everyone, no matter the size or looks. However, for the very first time, she just can't help. Not someone with a brittle bone disease, at least.

Kongo frowned more when he heard that news, his tired eyes moving to the window where he saw the small blonde head of his daughter. She sat outside of the office, seemingly watching kids her age skate around on the ice she yearned to be on. He sighed. Oh, how he failed her again if he were not to defend a bit more.

He turned back to Euclasia.

"Please, Euc. You taught Cinna at such a young age... Why can't you give her a try?" He pleaded, keeping his voice low to not bring attention.

"Phosphophyllite can't skate. If she falls and breaks half of her bones, I will be sued for it. To avoid adding more problems onto my list... I just cannot teach her. She'll just... get hurt. I really do not know why you're still trying, Kongo."

"She has to try! Everyone who had turned her away hasn't even tried. How can they just be so skeptical when they haven't even seen her try?!"

"Kongo!" Euclasia shouted, watching him quiet down. The small child who was watching the skating kids turned back and looked into the window, her blonde hair bouncing off her shoulders as she looked in. Euclasia looked over to Phos and sighed, looking back at Kongo. Her eyes showed sadness. "I love that kid. I was there when she was born and you know this, but... I just can't stand her getting hurt from something she loves. She could break her legs and never use them again. Then she definitely couldn't do it... You see what I mean? I don't want to shatter her dreams... not just yet... So go out and try to find a coach who is willing."

Kongo's face grew sorrowful, his deep gaze looking over to Phos, who stared curiously from the window. He gave a weak smile and waved to her, to which she happily waved back before looking back at the kids. He sighed as he looked back to Euc.

"I understand... I will keep searching. Thank you, Euclasia."

Euc hummed as a welcome before she walked to the door and opened it, nodding for him to exit. With heavy steps, he walked, heading back to his little girl.

Phos looked over to Kongo when he seemed to be done and jumped off the seat, squeaking as she almost fell. After Kongo recovered from his minor heart attack, he gratefully took Phos into his arms and lifted her up, holding her close with a small, forced smile. Phos looked over his face before she pouted.

"That makes number twelve." She said before she hugged her father, eyes down casted as she tried to sound hopeful. Even at six, she had a bright mind. She knew from his eyes. "We'll find someone soon, right, Daddy?"

Kongo felt his breath hitch in his throat when Phos asked such a thing, the man taking a moment before he slowly closed his eyes and held the girl close. With a sigh, he nodded.

"Tomorrow, we'll find you a coach. I promise."

"I don't believe you but okay. Only to make you happy."

"Sweetie, this is about you, not me... I just want you happy."

Kongo pulled away to look at his daughter, staring into her eyes to find if she was upset or not. To his surprise, she seemed fine.

"My happiness will come when you are happy!" Phos said as she smiled brightly. The man took a moment to gather his thoughts, absolutely shocked by her saying such a kind and thoughtful thing. Slowly he smiled and nodded, feeling a bit better about the situation.