Chapter 48: Not Your Fault

She told him about her decision to follow through with whatever was happening with the military, despite the dangers and her mother’s feelings; he listened without interruption, scribbling down a few things on his phone like in a business meeting.

"Hmm. So, your mother is terrified you’ll be drawn into some shady government project and senses you’ve grown restless with ordinary life after your recent experiences? It’s a real concern, and you know how delicate your mother is...to the point of convincing your brother and sister-in-law to stay in the house as they save up for their own, just so Nam would remain close."

Her father leaned back and crossed his legs, compassionate eyes on his sleeping wife, still holding onto Rachel as she slept. "You’re her baby girl that she has to protect, which I think contributed to your teenage angst and frustrations, leading to some of your more...feisty behaviors."

Rachel streamed out a long puff of air. "Hehe. I should have known I wasn’t hiding much from you with the fighting, which is why you got me into martial arts early so that I didn’t turn it on my peers... Well played, Dad. I do think it’s a bit more with Mom, though."

"I’m listening."

"Mmgm." Brushing her mother’s bangs out of her face and settling into a more comfortable position beside her, Rachel sighed. "Mom wants our family to grow—she sees Alexa, despite all her flaws, as her own daughter, while I’m...scared, Dad. I don’t want to let people in and be hurt—if they die, I guess... I’m trying to reconcile with all these flaws I’ve started to see in myself, and they only keep growing."

"Sung..." her father whispered, getting up to walk around the bed and give her a gentle hug from her lying position. "I understand you also have a need for perfection... I’m the cause of that, to some degree, since I’ve always been hard on Nam and you to succeed in life, but something your grandfather often reminds me of is that sprouts need room to grow... You are talented and disciplined, so growth will come in time. Be patient with yourself."

Rachel’s thoughts returned to her internal battle against the version of Scarlet that had battled the toad aliens and how outclassed she was, putting a bitter taste in her mouth.

"I have to get stronger, Dad... You and Mom are in danger because of the cult I’ve let up into our lives."

Her father gave her a stern look, fingers folded in his lap. "You were hard on your mother for blaming herself for your transformation; don’t make the same mistake as her, Sung. You are not alone in dealing with this cult. Also, from what you’ve expressed, it is your very existence that offends these people; there is nothing to feel blame for, as it is they who have the problem with you that has initiated this conflict, not the other way around."

She let out a tense sigh, grumbling, "I suppose so." Changing gears, she ran a hand down her face while staring up at the ceiling. "So, what did you think about Scarlet? I heard you two talking for some time outside."

His expression lifted a tad at the subject change; her father chuckled. "Adorably awkward and self-critical, which prompts one to want to protect her. Is it too much to think you see a piece of your cousin in her?"

Rachel worked around her jaw, pondering the thought rather than simply reacting to the inquiry; her father wasn’t the joking type, which meant he saw something that put him on that train of thought, and he was far more candid when speaking about such topics as opposed to her tentative mother.

"I don’t know... I suppose she’s growing on me, which is more than I can say about most people. To me, Scarlet trusts too easily—then again, her mental state and devastated life play a role in that... Still, I’d be super sus if the roles were reversed, but maybe that’s just my paranoia and distrust for people in general talking...

"Eh-haaa...maybe I can see myself trying to open up a little. Not to be harsh, Dad, but at first, I primarily worked so hard to keep her around because she’s useful. I have this gut feeling I should, but...there is a bit more to it than that; I guess she did remind me of my childhood subconsciously, and that’s why I’ve been softer on her, especially now that it’s on my mind."

"In any case—she thinks the world of you," her father said, stifling a yawn. "I’ve raised you to be your own woman, and while I’m not pleased with this particular route you’re deciding to pursue, I won’t be so hasty to judge it. You’re an intelligent young woman...when you want to be," he added while rubbing his temple. "So, pursue this, and I will support your mother through the hard times, but be smart, not prideful... If you need help, I’m here for you as your father."

Unable to express the relief that fell away from her shoulders at her stalwart father’s words, Rachel could only tuck her bottom lip under and nod.

Not soon after, he began to make her mother more comfortable on the bed, removing her shoes and taking Rachel’s place to slide in as her new body pillow; she snickered at her dad as he released his tie, saying as a little girl she thought he wore a suit to bed, which got a laugh from him on her way out.

Thanks, Dad...