He fathered Pearl even more without her knowing he seemed to be dying a little inside. She frowned but calmed, nodding and then slowly coming out of hiding again. “You've been more of a father in one day than my own, Da, that's all. I don't mean to worry you, it's just... I'm realizing so many things. I shouldn't... tell you all the things, but...” She rubbed at her eyes, “My father and my mother are not good people. I think it is better that I'm not there, that I would rather die than to let either one of them hurt my heart anymore. I don't want to be like them.” She sniffed. Her words were low, soft, calm, heartfelt but almost a monotone.

“I think I had better rest... I'm... feeling rather poorly...” and she retreated, the white flag of surrender hitting the floor as far as her parents were concerned.