"It wouldn't hurt to show him you care, I think."
A slight shrug.
"In the end, it's your call."
šššš=ššš
ā ā ā
''I suppose... That might be true.''
A sigh as he rests his back against the wall. ''Maybe just protecting him secretly isn't enough... I can't be a coward forever, can I?''
ā ā ā
"Do you know that for certain? Though I suppose it's possible that not even he knows..."
A pause.
"Have you heard the proverb, 'He who desires but acts not, breeds pestilence'? Your inaction could very well be seen by him as a lack of interest..."
šššš=ššš
ā ā ā
''He would say that me leaving him alone, probably... But I know he's not sincere.''
ā ā ā
"Hm... Have you asked him what would make him happy?"
šššš=ššš
ā
''Of course he's loved unconditionally. I understand that I haven't been the best father, but I still wish the best for him. This might sound cowardly of me, but I fear that it might be too late to be a proper family to him. Maybe he's happier by himself or with Sol.''
ā
"That is to say, the boy wants to know there is a place for him. Somewhere where he is loved unconditionally. Somewhere predictable and familiar, untouched by the constant change and surprise he is likely used to.
"If he feels he does not have this, he will go looking for it elsewhere..."
