she whispered, backing away. It had been eight years since she had last seen her father. Eight years trying to forget the total heartbreak of ending a relationship that had once been very close to hero worship. “Hello, Princess. May I come in?” He sounded weary and she opened the door wider without even thinking. He followed her into the small but cheery living room, his eyes scanning the room quickly before coming back to rest on her. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?” He stood in the middle of the room, clumsy in his attempt to make conversation. She nodded, her thoughts whirling in different directions like a leaf in the wind. One particular thought held. “Is it Mother?” she questioned hoarsely, her nerves taut with strain until he shook his head. “No. Your mother’s no better, but she isn’t any worse, either,” he admitted. “Then, why?”
