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<span class="mu-r">“Yeah, well…someone has to.”</span> you said with an unapologetic shrug. <span class="mu-r">“She's a sweet kid, and she deserves to have something other than a literal god as her sole parental guardian.”</span>
Young's eyes widened ever so slightly at that, but you were incapable of deciphering the emotion that flashed across her face. It was there and gone in an instant. After a moment, though, she nodded slowly.
<span class="mu-s">“I am glad you feel that way. I can tell you care for her very much.”</span>
You narrowed your eyes at her. You didn’t have very high expectations in the first place, but this “cold detachment” act was getting old real fast.
<span class="mu-r">“What's up with you not showing up to your own daughter's funeral, by the way?”</span> you asked, not at all trying to be tactful.
Young gave you a long, considering look before gesturing to a coffee table in the corner of the room. You followed her over, just barely resisting the urge to blow up at her for not showing a shred of genuine emotion in the minute that you've known her.
You sat down on a surprisingly clean couch, and waited for her to pour a cup of tea for you and herself. The old woman sat down across from you with a slight groan and gently picked up her cup.
You did the same, but unlike her, you stubbornly refused to take even a single sip. She stared into that cup for a good, long while before she answered your question.
<span class="mu-s">“I do not believe that my daughter is dead.”</span>
You stared at her, waiting for her to elaborate on the point. When she didn’t, you decided to press her on the matter.
<span class="mu-r">“So…what? You think Cindy’s mom has just been faking it this entire time?”</span>
She shook her head.
<span class="mu-s">“I heard about the incident. What happened was tragic, but it would take something far more dangerous than a gang of teething fangers to put Nari down. I'm not sure about that husband of hers, though...”</span>
Your eyes widened, and you had to put your cup down to avoid dropping it or spilling hot tea over your fingers.
She was serious…!
<span class="mu-r">“Wait, so…Cindy’s mom is actually alive!? Do you know for sure? Is she hurt, or stuck somewhere? Do we need to bust her out of a vampire prison, or-”</span>
Young held up a hand to stop you. Despite herself, and despite the seriousness of the situation, the old woman seemed to be amused by something you said.
<span class="mu-s">“Your concern for my family is appreciated, Benjamin. Truly, I cannot thank you enough for caring for Cindy in my and Nari's absence.”</span>
She gave you a deeper bow than before, and you were taken aback by how genuine it was.
<span class="mu-s">“However,”</span> she continued, straightening her back once. <span class="mu-s">“I do not believe that is the case. According to my divinations, not only is Nari alive, but her condition is far from critical.”</span>
You sat back in your chair, pondering the implications of that statement.
<span class="mu-r">“Then why hasn't she come to get Cindy? Or at least bothered to check up on her? What's stopping her?”</span> you asked.
<span class="mu-s">“Why indeed…”</span>
(Cont.)
