Sorry for leaving you

Abigail's POV

***

"Father," I whispered, as I crept into the room, careful not to make a sound. I closed the door behind me, then approached him slowly.

When I reached the bedside, I noticed how gaunt my father had become. His once-strong frame was now frail, his breathing shallow and labored. I felt a pang of sadness as I took in his appearance.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, taking care not to jostle the mattress and disturb his rest. I was careful not to make a sound, hoping that he would remain asleep.

As I studied my father's face, I noticed that his hair had turned almost completely gray. The silvery strands were twice as numerous as the last time I saw him.

Tears rolled down my cheek and I quickly brushed it away, not wanting to be caught crying. I didn't want to worry my father, especially not now.

My father had always been so kind and generous, always putting others before himself. He had done so much good in the world, and yet here he was, suffering. It didn't seem fair.

I turned my head, unable to bear the sight of my father in such a state. I didn't want to see him like this, I couldn't bear to see him in pain.

I had never imagined that it would come to this, that I would be sitting here, watching my father suffer. I wanted to take away his pain, to shoulder the burden for him. But I knew that I couldn't, that I was powerless to help him.

"Mia,"

I heard him say, his voice barely above a whisper. I turned to him, and saw the feeble smile on his face.

I smiled sadly, trying to convey my empathy with a simple gesture. I knew he didn't need to say anything else, I could read it all in the slump of his shoulders and the furrow of his brow.

"Everything will be alright, Dad," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "I'll get a doctor, and they'll help you get better. I promise."

The warmth of his hand on my cheek was almost too much to bear. I felt my emotions welling up inside me, and I could no longer hold back the tears. They flowed down my cheeks, and I knew he could see my pain.

"I...have missed... you"

I nodded, understanding his broken words.

My dad was a man in his mid-fifties, he still had a strong handsome presence.

"I missed you too, Dad," I said softly, pausing to gather my thoughts. "I'm sorry for everything—I shouldn't have left you. I know I haven't been the daughter you always hoped for."

"Don't say that sweetie, I should be the one to apologize."

I saw he was having trouble sitting up, so I moved closer and helped him up with my hand. Then, I placed a soft pillow behind him to help him feel more comfortable.

"Thank you" He patted me lightly on my back.

"Come with me, Dad. I'll take you to the hospital where they'll take good care of you."

"Please, don't worry. I'll improve on my own. You wouldn't understand."

My frustration was evident in my voice as I spoke. "What's going on, Dad? I need to know what's wrong so I can help you. I can't just sit here and watch you suffer. I need you to get better, and I need you to be honest with me."

My words came out a little harsher than I had intended, but I was so worried about him.

"It was too late when I found out. It started as a minor sickness, but then I discovered they were colluding with the doctor. They want me dead, Mia. They're more dangerous than you realize."

I listened as my father tried to explain, but I found myself at a loss for words.

"Did they do this to you?" I questioned after a while, my words tinged with fury. I could sense the rage coursing through my veins.

My father nodded in response and I clenched my fist.

"I will not accept this, I'm reporting them to the police, they will be left behind bars." I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone, ready to dial a number but my father held my hands.

Our gaze met and I saw something that looked like fear.

How could he, of all people, be afraid of them?

"Then what do we do?" I questioned, feeling defeated. Having no other choice, I slipped my phone back into my purse.

"I've updated my will, and my lawyer and I are finalizing the details. Right now, I'll continue to play the part of a sick old man. But trust me, Mia, I'm actually feeling better. Don't let appearances deceive you."

"Do they know about your plans?" My voice came out lower than usual.

I heard a soft chuckle escape his lips, followed by a slight cough, which prompted me to fetch a glass of water from his bedside table.

"If they knew, they would have killed me." He said after drinking the water.

"Those wicked souls," I muttered to myself, clenching my jaw and biting my lower lip until the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

"Do not tell anyone about this, I have given my lawyer your contact, he will message you when the time is right."

His words interrupted my thoughts, I gulped down my saliva, I was feeling sad.

"But, Father," I protested, only to be met with a stern glare.

"I'm just scared, that's all. I don't want something to happen to you" my words felt heavy as I finally let them out.

He spread his arms wide and gestured for me to come closer.

I instinctively wrapped my arms around him, and our hug lingered for quite some time.

His body felt so warm and comfortable, I didn't want to break free from the hug.

"I won't tell anyone father, I promise."

Just then, a knock interrupted our emotional moment, making me frown a little.

"Darling, your food is ready."

I recognized that voice so well, it was the voice of my evil stepmother.