Part 741: Frederick (Father) A

Father! Will you brush my hair? Pleeease?

Er, I'm sorry, Cynthia, but I'm a little busy at the moment... You haven't left my side lately... Are you sure you don't have other things to do?

Well, you said spending time with me was fun! Riiight? Hey, why don't you come to town with me? We'll spend the whole day together!

Er... now?

Yes, now! We'll walk the streets and visit the market and hold hands the whole time! Then we can find a tasty cake shop and when evening falls we can go caroling and-

All right, Cynthia, that's enough now. Look, I know we're family, but even family needs time apart sometimes.

-and eat pie, and it'll totally be the best day ever!

Are you even listening to me?

You... will remember me, won't you Father? Even once the Cynthia of this world is born?

......

You see, I DO understand how this time-travel stuff works. I know you're not my real father. That man exists in another history. So as soon as the me from this time is born, I promise to leave you alone. It's just that...until that happens, I want us to spend as much time together as we can. Then, when you have a proper family, at least we'll still have our memories.

I... I didn't realize...

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm ever so grateful for this time. You've shown me what it's like to have a father, and you've been so nice to me. But I know that, in the end, your love is meant for another me.

*Sniff*

Father, are you... crying? Oh, silly! I didn't mean to make you sad... It's nothing to be sad about!

Besides, we can't very well have my hero all teary eyed, can we?! I don't want to remember you like this. I want to remember you how you really were.

Strong, and kind, and brave... My father, my hero... and my friend.