Are You Sure

*Ana *

“Papa?” I notice a change in Father, who seems to grow quiet. I follow his gaze to see Admiral Nugen leaving. Did he have business with him?

“Do you need something with Admiral Nugen?” Should I call him?

“What?” Father blinks like he is waking back up. “What, oh, no, nothing.” Father smiles and moves to take his wine. He reanimates as if it were nothing, but I can’t help but look over.

I am too late. Admiral Nugen is long gone. Whatever Father needed, I won’t find out. But I have other things to worry about right now, like how this will work.

“Are you sure about this, Papa?” I ask after recovering from the shock. Everyone else seems to be moving back to a leisurely pace.

People converse or eat again. Save from Mykhol and Aunt and Uncle. They are reticent despite how loud the room is getting. Maybe they are just enjoying their food.

Aunt Funda certainly worked hard enough for it. I consider watching her fiddle with her fork. She must be hungry.

“How will this work? ” I look